Receiving the Ministry of the Messiah

Matthew 9:1-35

I think it’s easy to find ourselves in these stories. Most of us need forgiveness, or yearn for the renewal of our identity/reputation, or groan to be raised up from the habits that produce death in us, or long for the restoration of our sight, or even ache for the cessation of demonic influences (be they subtle lies or temptations or even oppression). All of us, at some level, need a miraculous touch from the Messiah.

I’m intrigued by Jesus’ comment to the blind men. They called out for Him to have mercy on them. His statement to them is this: “It shall be done to you according to your faith” (v. 29); for Christ had just asked them (in v. 28), “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” He gave them an opportunity to affirm their confidence in Him.

When Christ has determined to minister to us (even now through His Spirit), I think that there is a real place for affording a great amount of trust in His ability. I believe that there are a lot of things that the Lord wants to heal us of (especially in the inner man), which are laid out in the Holy Scriptures.

It seems to me as though the Lord would ask us the same question today, pertaining to those things from which we need healing or restoration or renewal: “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” It’s easy to say that we do believe Him, but harder to live by that standard of faith when the true test comes and we are inclined to return to our former ways. It is then that we must remind ourselves that He has brought us healing, and we are not who we used to be.

Will I afford Him room to move? Will I believe Him to do the full measure of that which He says He can do? Am I trusting in His Word and relying on His Spirit so much that I readily anticipate Christ’s healing to touch the sinful hang-ups and habits that plague me?

Lord, “I do believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).