Matthew 9:27-31

As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out,

“Son of David, have pity on us!” 

When he entered the house,

the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them,

“Do you believe that I can do this?” 

“Yes, Lord,” they said to him. 

Then he touched their eyes and said,

“Let it be done for you according to your faith.” 

And their eyes were opened. 

Jesus warned them sternly,

“See that no one knows about this.” 

But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.

Opening Prayer: Lord God, let me see your glory as you pass by. I am always in need of being cured by you of my spiritual blindness. I believe, Lord, help my unbelief! I trust in you, Lord, help me when I despair. I love you, Lord, help me overcome my selfishness.

Encountering the Word of God

1. The Eyes of the Blind Shall See: In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah promised that, “out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see” (Isaiah 29:18). The Gospel today is seen as fulfillment of that ancient prophecy. When the blind regain their sight, it would be a sign that the age of salvation had arrived. Physical blindness was terrible. It often led to a lifetime of poverty and daily begging for food just to survive. Isaiah promised that, in the age of salvation, the blind would see, the deaf would hear, the lame would walk, and prisoners would be set free. How can I see more clearly with the eyes of faith? How can I hear more clearly and be more attentive to the Word of God? How can I walk more perfectly in the footsteps of Christ? How can I break free from the chains of sin in my life?

2. Faith in the Son of David: The blind men call out to Jesus with an important title, “Son of David.” This is an acknowledgment that Jesus is the hidden King of Israel. Jesus, they acknowledge, is the royal descendant of David, who is destined to rule over heaven and earth. What the men ask for, in faith, is mercy. They recognize that the kingship of Jesus is not about earthly wealth or power. It is about healing, forgiveness, and merciful love. Jesus is like David, yet superior to him in so many ways. Jesus and David were both anointed with the Spirit of God. David gave Israel rest from their physical enemies (2 Samuel 7:1), Jesus offers eternal rest – a share in God’s own life – and has conquered our true spiritual enemy once and for all. David acted as a priest-king and provided food for his people (1 Chronicles 16:3), and this sustained them for a brief time. Jesus, by contrast, is our eternal high priest and eternal king, and he provides us with his own body and blood as food and drink, leading to eternal life.

3. They Spread Word of Him: When Jesus cured the two blind men in Capernaum, he warned them sternly not to tell anyone. Why is it that Jesus didn’t want publicity about his healing power? Why is it that the men, mercifully healed by Jesus, disobeyed his command? On the one hand, Jesus was cautious about people misrepresenting his identity and mission. The blind men called out to Jesus with the title, “Son of David.” They could be thinking that Jesus will be a political Messiah, one who will lead armies to overthrow the Romans and establish the earthly Kingdom of David. On the other hand, Jesus wants to encounter people not merely as a miracle-worker, but as a savior and redeemer. In the end, the two men spread the word about Jesus throughout the land. This notoriety, we are told in other Gospels, leads to Jesus retreating and withdrawing. Jesus doesn’t want the people to have false notions about his person. How do I relate to Jesus? As my brother and Lord? As a miracle-worker?

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me, a poor sinner. Turn your gaze toward me. You know what I most need. When I am selfish, I pray that you lift my eyes to see the needs of those around me.

Living the Word of God: How have I fallen into spiritual blindness this past year? How can I call out to Jesus in faith? How is Jesus asking me to spread the word about him? What are the great things God has done for me?