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The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing Two Blind Men (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn Matthew 9:28-31, Jesus asks two blind men whether they believe He is able to heal them, making faith the condition for the miracle. Their emphatic "Yes, Lord" (a strong Greek affirmation) shows genuine certainty, and their calling Him son of David indicates God had begun opening their minds despite their handicaps. Jesus' words "According to your faith let it be to you" echo His words to the centurion in Matthew 8:13: faith opens the door for divine blessing, while unbelief closes it, as in Nazareth (Matthew 13:57-58). Faith grows by hearing God's Word (Romans 10:17). Jesus touches the eyes of the blind in all four such miracles, which suited their condition, since they could not see Him but could feel His touch. "Their eyes were opened" is also a Hebrew figure of speech for spiritual understanding, and Christ can likewise open eyes to comprehend Scripture (Luke 24; Psalm 119:18). Jesus' stern command to keep quiet, expressed in Greek as a scolding linked to strong emotion, aimed to prevent hindrance to His ministry and pride in the healed men, and to have their conduct, not their words, prove their healing. Their disobedience shows that faith enough for healing is not necessarily faith enough for obedience. Christians must hold God's standards firmly, without burdening new converts unreasonably, and must have a faith rooted in love that keeps His word (John 14:23-24).
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing Two Blind Men (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus heals two blind men in Capernaum, probably in Peter's house (Matthew 9:27-31), fulfilling Isaiah 35:5 in both a physical and a spiritual sense. Blindness illustrates sin's effect, since sin leaves people groping in darkness (Zephaniah 1:17; Deuteronomy 28:29), and its only remedy is Christ dwelling in the believer through the Holy Spirit (John 14:20-23). The two men model what a Christian should do. They seize the opportunity of Christ passing by, just as God opens doors of salvation and service that close if not entered promptly (Matthew 25:6-12; Revelation 3:20). They follow Him, and blessings come to those who follow diligently, though following requires self-denial (Mark 8:34). They approach with humility, asking for mercy rather than justice, because demanding rights is arrogant and all have sinned (Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:8-9). They also persevere through the crowds and even into the house. This shows that delay in answered prayer is not denial but may test and strengthen faith, and God does not usually bless half-hearted seeking.
God Heals Today
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Matthew 9:27-29, we see the account of Jesus healing two blind men who followed Him, crying out, "Son of David, have mercy on us!" When He entered the house, the blind men approached Him, and Jesus asked, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They replied, "Yes, Lord." Then He touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith let it be to you." This demonstrates that their healing was directly linked to their faith in His power to restore their sight. This incident, among others, illustrates that God heals according to the faith of those who trust in Him, showing a clear connection between belief and the act of healing.
Faith in the Healer
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the narrative of Healing Two Blind Men, as recorded in Matthew 9, we see a profound demonstration of trust in Jesus Christ as the Healer. Two blind men followed Him, crying out for mercy, believing that He had the power to restore their sight. Their faith was not merely in a promise or a concept, but in the person of Jesus Himself. When He asked them if they believed He was able to do this, they affirmed their trust in Him, saying, "Yes, Lord." According to their faith, their eyes were opened, showing that their healing was directly tied to their personal trust in Him. This account emphasizes that true faith is rooted in a relationship with the Healer, trusting Him completely for deliverance.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 13)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCommitment to a course of action is essential for physical or spiritual success. Faith motivates and sustains right action, protecting us from wavering.
Matthew (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughSin causes disease, but the person who becomes sick does not necessarily commit the sin. Because God alone can forgive sin, God alone can heal.
Seeing is Not Believing
Sermonette byWe have the tendency when we see something to register it as truth imprinted on our minds. Jesus warned of deceptions that could confound our sense of sight.
Faith and Prayer
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughConstant, earnest prayer keeps faith alive and makes certain the receiving of the qualities that make us in the image of God. God's purpose comes first.
Matthew (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughTrue greatness does not come from dominance but from serving with the attitude of a slave. Willingness to sacrifice self is the secret to success.