Today’s Reading: Matthew 9:27-34, 12:22-37; Mark 3:20-30; Luke 10:1-24, 11:14-23

Two blind men followed along behind Jesus begging him to have mercy on them. When Jesus arrived at the house where he was staying, the two men boldly went right into the house. Jesus turned and asked them if they believed he had the power to make them 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 9:28b-31

Their faith was strong enough to bring about their healing, but their enthusiasm over their healing led to their disobedience of Jesus’ specific instructions. As soon as they left, a demon-possessed man was brought to Jesus. The crowds were amazed when Jesus cast the demon out of the man and he began to speak.

“Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!” they exclaimed. But the Pharisees said, “He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons.” – Matthew 9:33b-34

Three chapters later, a demon-possessed man who was both blind and mute was healed by Jesus. The same thing happened — the crowd was amazed and the Pharisees once again accused Jesus of getting his power from Satan, the prince of demons. The teachers of religious law said Jesus was himself possessed by a demon. Others tried to test Jesus, demanding he perform a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority.

WHY WOULD SATAN CAST OUT SATAN?

Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart. And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is divided and fighting against himself. His own kingdom will not survive. And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said. But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house. – Matthew 12:25-29

THE KINGDOM OF GOD HAS ARRIVED AMONG YOU.

Jesus sent out 72 other disciples to go ahead of him to the villages he planned to visit. He gave them instructions about what to take with them and what to say; he gave them the power to heal the sick and free those who were possessed with demons. He taught them how to accept hospitality while also teaching them how to wipe the dust of a town off their feet if the town refused to welcome them.

When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!”
“Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” – Luke 10:17-20

The 72 disciples had the faith to heal the sick and the authority to cast out demons, but their enthusiasm and pride had the potential to distract them from the One who holds eternity in His hands.

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” – Matthew 12:35-37

The disciples were able to produce good things because their hearts were good. Jesus was able to do miraculous things because He was the Son of God. If Jesus’ heart was evil, as the Jewish leaders accused, he would not have been able to do all of the good things he did in each town he visited.

Lord, we pray that you will produce good things from the faith you have planted in our hearts. Help us to keep our focus on your goodness and your ability to do amazing things through us. Thank you for the reminder that we should never be impressed with our own abilities but always recognize your power at work in our lives. Help us to always see that you are a good God. Amen.