HEAL - God's Heart for Healing in MatthewSample

Jesus Heals a Blind and Mute Man

In this passage, Jesus heals a blind and mute man who was demon-possessed. The people who saw this healing were astonished and wondered if he was the Son of David, yet not everyone in the crowd was for Him. The Pharisees accused Jesus of working for the devil. Jesus knowing their thoughts, admonished them about creating division amongst the people.

“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined…” These Pharisees were not there to celebrate the healing of this man. They were naysayers and causing division. Jesus warned them, “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.” In this passage, when Jesus saw those suffering from attacks of the enemy, He asserted His authority to gather and destroy the evil spirits. He accused the Pharisees who opposed Him, of scattering those spirits abroad. In doing this, He teaches us how to stand firm in spiritual warfare, explaining that one must bind the enemy (“the Strong man”) in order to rob him of his victims.

In order for us to do this, He has given believers the right to pray in the authority of HIS NAME to bind and gag harassing enemy spirits, and command them to leave our presence and send them to Jesus for their ultimate destruction.

Questions:

1.  Have you experienced naysayers in your life?

2.  Why is unity in ministry important to Jesus?

3.  In light of this authority, what do you think Jesus meant when He said “the kingdom of God has come upon you?”