Thursday, October 12, 2023  

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Today’s Scripture Reading 
Matthew 9:27–34

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, “See that no one knows of this.” But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district. After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and said, “Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons.” (NRSV)

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Reflection

Jesus’ acts of healing run throughout this ninth chapter of Matthew; however, the two incidents in verses 27–34 are very different.

In the beginning of the chapter, Jesus is out among the people while he is healing, and in between his ministry to those in need, he is challenged by the scribes and the Pharisees. The formula seems set: Jesus is amid a crowd, someone seeks healing, and he heals them or forgives them (Jesus knows what they need in that moment), the church leaders call him out for working “outside” the laws of the faith, and Jesus responds by schooling the leaders in the true spirit of law. Jesus came to teach and to show the way to God.

Then the formula changes. The men who are blind call out, but Jesus walks by without hearing, or so it seems to the reader. But when the men seek him out in private, Jesus gives them his full attention. Matthew is a bit vague with the details of the full exchange between Jesus and those who are blind, and I think that is for our benefit.

We are invited to put ourselves into that moment with the blind men and Jesus. What if I was the one seeking healing? What would I need in that moment? What would it be like to have that personal, private interaction with Jesus-to be seen and heard as just me?

That is the beauty in the passage: without the minute-by-minute description, we are invited to wonder and to consider what life was like for those who encountered Jesus. We are invited into the story — into that moment of encounter with the Divine. The invitation does not remain in the scriptures, for we are invited every day to encounter the Divine — in the world, in one another and within ourselves.

Will we accept the invitation?

What will that mean for our life and for the world when we do?

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Prayer
Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!

Jesus, I’m scared to accept your invitation, but I know you are always with me, waiting for me to say, “Here I am.” Lord God, let my heart be open to receive your Son, Jesus. Amen.

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Written by Annette Mileski, Center for Life and Learning Director

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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