As we come to the conclusion of the section of Matthew's gospel made up of chapters 8 and 9, we once again see Jesus demonstrating his authority through the miraculous. However, we know that very soon in the story, the people of Israel are going to be put to a choice; and it's a choice highlighted in the middle of our text today: Do you believe? Do you believe that Jesus is who he says he is and that he can do what he says he will do? The same choice is before us now, and it has eternal significance. Do you believe?