What Jesus Did! 'Two Necessities' — Matthew 9:27-31

Saturday, April 24, 2021

After Jesus left the girl's home [— the dead girl he raised], two blind men followed along behind him, shouting, "Son of David, have mercy on us!"

They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, "Do you believe I can make you see?"

"Yes, Lord," they told him, "we do."

Then he touched their eyes and said, "Because of your faith, it will happen." Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, "Don't tell anyone about this." But instead, they went out and spread his fame all over the region.

— Matthew 9:27-31 NLT

Key Thought

Once again, Jesus demonstrated his power to heal and restore. Based on the faith expressed by the two blind men, Jesus healed them. But notice also the phrases "They went right into the house" (so they were inside where a lot of people couldn't see them) and "Don't tell anyone about this." While Jesus was powerful, his power was used to show his compassion and care, not to show off to gain a following of people who just wanted to see his miracles. Matthew reminds us again and again that following Jesus is about obeying his commands. Jesus, as God with us — our Immanuel, is all about teaching and showing compassion. Blending these two characteristics is the art of faithful Christian service.

Today's Prayer

Almighty and awesome God, you are glorious and you have chosen to reveal that glory with both power and compassion. Please use your Spirit to give me a heart of compassion and to show me how to live a victorious Christian life of faithfulness and service. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 20:29-34
  • Isaiah 29:17-19
  • Isaiah 35:4-6

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 9:27-31 NLT — "Don't tell anyone about this."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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