In Matthew 9:27-34, two blind men fervently seek Jesus, addressing Him as the "Son of David," a Messianic title. Their faith moves Jesus, who touches their eyes, restoring their sight. Their miraculous healing spreads awe throughout the region. However, not everyone rejoices; the Pharisees attribute Jesus's work to demonic forces, revealing their spiritual blindness. Jesus emphasizes that His miracles are a manifestation of God's kingdom and invites us to see with spiritual eyes. This passage illustrates the power of faith, the compassion of Christ, and the ongoing battle between belief and skepticism. It reminds us that true sight comes through faith in Jesus, the Son of David, our Savior.

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In Matthew 8 and 9 we’ve been getting a picture of Jesus’ authority. And in 9:18-26, the picture we get is even better. Not only does Jesus have the authority to save, and to give us hope in the middle of despair, but also Jesus has authority over death. Specifically, in the death of Christ is the death of our spiritual death (we will be forgiven our sin), and in the resurrection of Christ is the death of our physical death (we will rise again bodily). Since Christ died and rose again, we who are united to him, though we may die, will also rise again to a better life.

1) How does these two miracle stories speak to how Jesus gives us hope in the middle of despair?

2) Reflect on this famous quote by Canadian scientist G. B. Hardy: “When I looked at religion, I said, I have two questions. One, has anybody ever conquered death, and two, if they have, did they make a way for me to conquer death? I checked the tomb of Buddha, and it was occupied, and I checked the tomb of Confucius and it was occupied, and I checked the tomb of Mohammed and it was occupied, and I came to the tomb of Jesus and it was empty. And I said, There is one who conquered death. And I asked the second question, Did he make a way for me to do it? And I opened the Bible and discovered that He said, Because I live, ye shall live also.”

3) How can meditating on the reality of death and the reality of resurrection impact our faith?

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Matthew 8 and 9 are packed with miracle stories. In Matthew 9:9-13, Matthew includes the account of his own calling by Jesus in all of one verse (v. 9). Is this story placed in the narrative amongst the miracles because of mere chronology, or is there something of the miraculous here? Through the sovereign calling of Jesus, salvation comes to Matthew and, sometimes unbeknownst to us, we are presented with yet another miracle and a fantastic summary of our Lord’s mission on earth: Jesus came to call sinners (v. 13).

What challenges do you face in your belief in the forgiveness of sins, as stated in the Apostles’ Creed?

Did you pursue God, or did God pursue you? Look back into your life for examples of Christ’s calling in your life and give thanks to Him.

How might Jesus' calling of Matthew give us hope for unbelievers we know who seem unreachable with the gospel?

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In Matthew 8:23-34, two miracle stories are set side by side—Jesus’ calming of the storm and Jesus exorcising demons. While at first they seem different, the two stories are really both exorcisms of evil, as Jesus reveals his identity as the victorious Son of God. The smaller victories of Matthew 8 point us forward to the ultimate victory of Christ upon the cross.

1) When looking upon creation, what aspects of the created world reveal Jesus’ authority as the Son of God to you?

2) How does the fact that Jesus judges evil, inform how you relate to injustices in this world?

3) What facets of your life could be most impact by mediating on the victorious nature of Jesus work upon the cross?

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King and Kingdom: How Not to Follow

The “Sermon on the Move” is attracting attention and crowds are beginning to follow Jesus. In Matthew 8:18-27, we see Jesus is looking more for followers than fans.  We are given a glimpse into how not to follow Jesus. If we are convinced we must follow Jesus, we must do it without pride (humbly come to him and serve him as Lord), without compromise (he is first; everyone and everything else is a far second), and without fear (courageously trust him).

How would you counsel someone who wanted to follow Jesus as long as they could maintain their current lifestyle?

Explain how Matthew 8 (specifically the scribe and the man that approach Jesus) speaks against the prosperity gospel.

Find areas of “excessive fear” in your life. Confess these, and ask for a courageous faith to combat this.

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