“Interruptions, Healings, and Accusations”

(Matthew 9:18-34)

Series: God’s Fulfilled Promise [on screen]

Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD

First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida

May 5, 2019

The Passage

Matthew 9:18-34 (CSB)

18 As he was telling them these things, suddenly one of the leaders came and knelt down before him, saying, “My daughter just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 So Jesus and his disciples got up and followed him.

20 Just then, a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years approached from behind and touched the end of his robe, 21 for she said to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I’ll be made well.”

22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Have courage, daughter,” he said. “Your faith has saved you.” And the woman was made well from that moment.

23 When Jesus came to the leader’s house, he saw the flute players and a crowd lamenting loudly. 24 “Leave,” he said, “because the girl is not dead but asleep.” And they laughed at him. 25 After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. 26 Then news of this spread throughout that whole area.

27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” 28 When he entered the house, the blind men approached him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” 30 And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus warned them sternly, “Be sure that no one finds out.” 31 But they went out and spread the news about him throughout that whole area.

32 Just as they were going out, a demon-possessed man who was unable to speak was brought to him. 33 When the demon had been driven out, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed, saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!” 34 But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the ruler of the demons.”

Introductory Comments:

Well, we’re still in our series from the book of Matthew. Jesus is ratcheting up His ministry more and more and more as we journey through Matthew’s Gospel. 

In this passage, we see something quite miraculous: we see several miracles including a girl who is raised from the dead. 

We’re going to cover a lot of ground today, so let’s ask God to guide us as we go. 

Let’s pray together.

(Prayer)

Jesus continues to get more and more amazing with the works that He does!

In today’s passage, we’ll see that people start to understand more and more who He is and that He is able to change lives. 

We’ll see three traits regarding the works of Jesus which will always be true. 

First, . . .

I. The works of Jesus will always be available [on screen]

Illustration: Have you ever felt like you were doing something important and someone was bothering you? Perhaps it’s one of your children. Or, if you’re a child, perhaps it’s your sibling. Maybe a coworker keeps asking you simple questions. Maybe you’re watching a ball game and your wife wants to know what you want to do tomorrow. Maybe you’re trying to take a nap during church and the pastor is speaking too loudly. 

Sometimes we feel like we have important stuff to do and we don’t have time for other people. 

Maybe, we’re on the other end. Maybe we need something from someone but we’re afraid to bother them. We think, “They don’t have time for little ol’ me.”

Let me tell you something, church: Jesus always has time for you! 

The works of Jesus will always be available for you!

In today’s passage, we see that Jesus is interrupted four different times by different people wanting to experience His miraculous power. Never once does He turn them away. 

Let’s check out these four situations. 

First, we have this ruler whose daughter has just died. 

This is a very big deal for this man. His daughter is obviously very special to him. 

He must have heard about all the great works of Jesus and he thought that it was possi