Matthew 9:27-34

Matthew 9:27-34 NIV

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” 
“Yes, Lord,” they replied. 
Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored.
Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”

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More healing stories, but this time they are about the blind having their sight restored and the mute given the ability to speak. This is a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Isaiah 35:4-6 NIV

...say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”
Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.

Matthew often makes direct narrative assertions that prophecy is being fulfilled by Jesus, but in this case the reader must be familiar with the prophetic writings to catch the inference. Today we have many footnotes and commentaries to inform us.

The two blind men call out to Jesus, addressing Him as the Son of David, which is a title for the promised messiah. While the prophets aren't as clear about the messiah as the formal doctrine that developed over the centuries, there are many references to Davidic king our a deliverer of some sort sent by God to restore Israel from bondage. The interesting thing about the New Treatment's use of these texts is that they were written to encourage Jews in exile in the 8th and 6th centuries B.C. Some were written as late as the 5th century B.C. The appearance of Jesus, His life and ministry, His death and resurrection, had so many connections to prophetic writings, the apostles had their eyes opened wide to the notion that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of every promise of God regardless of the original circumstances.

2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

God promised David that He would always have a son to sit upon throne and given Israel in wisdom and righteousness. Jesus is God's ultimate fulfillment to this promise. For Christ reigns forever a spiritual Israel made up, not simply of Jews, but of all who believe the gospel.

The two blind men represent both Jew and Gentile who cannot see the truth of God's redemptive action in bringing Christ Jesus to the world. Even today there continues to be both Jews and non-Jews who do not see who Jesus really is. Some see Him as myth, not a historical person. Some see Him as historical and a wise teacher, but not divine. Some see Him as divine, but not the singular way to salvation, but one of many ways to God. But when faith gives hope in Christ, the reality of Jesus confronts us and His power heals, helping us too see who He is and giving us ability to speak the truth and witness to the good news.

Jesus told them to keep this healing a secret. We don't know why so we have to suggest reasons. A popular theory is that it was not time for Jesus to be hailed as king of the Jews. It was not yet time for His coronation upon the cross. Another possibility is that Jesus didn't want to draw attention to Himself, but continue to direct His followers to God the Father. Perhaps Jesus wished to avoid the clamour of the crowd seeking spectacle. In any event, the men went and told everyone they could about what Jesus did for them.

The mute man was unable to speak because of the grip of demonic forces. Jesus drove out the demon and the man could suddenly speak. What force keeps Christians today from opening their mouths and testifying to the good news about Jesus Christ? Is it fear and discomfort? Is it a feeling of incompetence? Could it be they we let the values of society trump the commands of Christ to go and make disciples? What would it take to open our mouths so that we speak on Christ behalf?

The restorative power of Christ is amazing, but some will continue to discredit His name for their own purposes. The jealous religious leaders said that Jesus drove demons by the power of demons, demeaning His good work. Their intent is to turn followers away from Christ and keep the people listening to them.

The gospel is and always has been offensive. It asserts that Jesus is the king of kings, the ultimate authority in heaven and on earth. It proclaims that Jesus is the only way to eternal life, the saving knowledge of the one true God. It condemns all humanity for sin, and pronounces God's judgement to show sinners mercy through the sacrifice of His Son. What kind of retorts have you heard spoken against the gospel?

Even if all of Christianity remained silent, even the rocks would cry out, Hosanna to the Son of David! Lord, save us! Open our eyes to see You and free our mouths to speak the truth.