Following after Jesus #61

After the dramatic event with the pigs plunging off the cliff into the sea, Jesus returned to His headquarters in Capernaum, teaching, healing, and forgiving sins. Matthew gives event after event, like in chapter 9:

27 And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” 28 When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” 31 But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.
32 As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. 33 And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” 34 But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”

It's all in the attitude.  These two blind men were crying out "Have mercy on us!" It's a study in itself just going through the Gospels looking at every time that happened: people calling out to Christ for mercy. He then brings up the question: "Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They do, and He does. He then says: "Just try to keep this a secret." Not a chance.  People who are truly changed by Christ cannot keep it a secret. They have to tell someone; these men wanted to tell everyone. I love the set-up Matthew notes here: "as they were going away." It was like a doctor's office; people coming and going all day long. This man was brought to Jesus being oppressed by a demon. His case does not seem to be as bad as what they had seen in Gadara, but then again, they are back in Israel. This man could not speak, but once healed by Jesus, he could, and he could praise God just like the two blind men did.  Here's another response to study: "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." Look at all the times people respond that way to what Jesus does. But here's the attitude check. The Pharisees see the exact opposite. Their foredrawn conclusions and predetermined self-righteousness interpret this as the work of darkness, a totally illogical and erroneous thought process.  So, how are you going to approach Jesus today? Coming honestly with your need? Or acting like you don't need Him at all, like you're just fine the way you are? It makes all the difference.