Matthew 9:32-38
As they were going
away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. And when the demon had been
cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was
anything like this seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "He casts
out demons by the prince of demons." And Jesus went about all the cities
and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom,
and healing every disease and every infirmity. When he saw the crowds, he
had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep
without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is
plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the
harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."
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What help and hope
can we give to someone who experiences chronic distress or some incurable
disease of mind and body? Spiritual, emotional, and physical suffering often go
hand in hand. Jesus was well acquainted with individuals who suffered
intolerable affliction – whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. A
"dumb demoniac" was brought to Jesus by his friends with the hope
that Jesus would set the troubled man free. These neighbors, no doubt, took
pity on this man who had a double impediment. He had not only lost his ability
to speak, but was also greatly disturbed in mind and spirit. This was no doubt
due to the influence of evil spirits who tormented him day and night with
thoughts of despair and hopeless abandonment by God. Jesus immediately set him
free from the demon who tormented him and restored his ability to speak at the
same time. This double miracle brought wonder to the crowds who watched in
amazement. "Nothing like this had ever been done before in the land of
Israel!" Whenever people approached Jesus with expectant faith, he set
them free from whatever afflicted them – whether it be a disease of mind and
body, a crippling burden of guilt and sin, a tormenting spirit or uncontrollable
fear of harm.
How could Jesus’
miracles cause both scorn and wonder at the same time from those who professed
faith in God? Don’t we often encounter the same reaction today, even in
ourselves! The crowds looked with awe at the wonderful works which Jesus did,
but the religious leaders attributed this same work to the power of the devil.
They disbelieved because they refused to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
Their idea of religion was too narrow and closed to accept Jesus as the Anointed
One sent by the Father "to set the captives free." They were too
set in their own ways to change and they were too proud to submit to Jesus.
They held too rigidly to the observances of their ritual laws while neglecting
the more important duties of love of God and love of neighbor. The people, as a
result, were spiritually adrift and hungry for God. Jesus met their need and
gave them new faith and hope in God’s saving help. Whenever the gospel is
proclaimed God’s kingdom is made manifest and new life and freedom is given to
those who respond with faith. The Lord grants freedom to all who turn to him
with trust. Do you bring your troubles to the Lord with expectant faith that he
can set you free? The Lord invites us to pray that the work of the gospel
may spread throughout the world, so that all may find true joy and freedom in
Jesus Christ.
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"Lord Jesus, may
your kingdom come to all who are oppressed and in darkness. Fill my heart with
compassion for all who suffer mentally and physically. Use me to bring the good
news of your saving grace and mercy to those around me who need your healing
love and forgiveness.”
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