How can we apply the crowd's amazement in Matthew 12:23 to our faith? Setting the Scene Matthew 12 records Jesus healing a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute. Scripture reports: “The crowds were all astounded and asked, ‘Could this be the Son of David?’” (Matthew 12:23). Their spontaneous amazement reveals hearts jolted awake by undeniable power and messianic possibility. Why Their Amazement Matters • It shows a genuine, unfiltered response to a direct encounter with Jesus’ authority. • It points to fulfilled prophecy—“Son of David” echoes 2 Samuel 7:12-16 and Isaiah 11:1. • It contrasts sharply with the Pharisees’ hardened skepticism (Matthew 12:24). Translating Amazement into Faith Today 1. Cultivate fresh eyes for Scripture • Read the Gospels as factual eyewitness testimony (Luke 1:1-4). • Expect to see the same Jesus “yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). 2. Guard against casual familiarity • Israel’s leaders dismissed miracles they could not deny (John 11:47-48). • Regularly ask the Spirit to soften any cynicism (Psalm 139:23-24). 3. Turn amazement into worship • Wonder should move beyond curiosity to adoration (Psalm 95:6). • Sing, journal, or speak aloud praise when Scripture stirs awe (Colossians 3:16). 4. Live expectantly for God’s intervention • Jesus still saves, heals, and delivers (James 5:14-16). • Pray boldly, trusting His unchanging power (Ephesians 3:20). 5. Share the wonder with others • The healed man’s story drew a crowd; our testimonies do the same (Mark 5:19-20). • Speak of Christ’s works naturally in everyday conversation (1 Peter 3:15). Guarding Against the Pharisaic Spirit • Test every experience by Scripture, yet refuse to let analysis eclipse awe. • Beware of theological pride that explains away the supernatural (1 Corinthians 8:1-3). Living a Lifestyle of Holy Amazement • Begin each day acknowledging Christ’s lordship, looking for His fingerprints. • End each day recounting specific ways God revealed Himself, however small. • Keep company with believers who celebrate God’s deeds (Psalm 34:3). The crowd’s amazement invites believers to stay wide-eyed before the living Christ, letting wonder fuel faith, worship, obedience, and witness—never settling for anything less than the full, vibrant expectation that “the Son of David” still moves among us. |
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