What can we learn from the crowd's reaction to the healed mute man? The Setting: Jesus Confronts a Mute Demon “One day Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed.” (Luke 11:14) • A real man, genuinely unable to speak, is liberated the instant Jesus commands. • The miracle is public, verifiable, and undeniable—no staged theatrics, no gradual recovery. • It demonstrates Christ’s absolute authority over the unseen realm (cf. Luke 4:35-36; 1 John 3:8). The Crowd’s Immediate Response: Amazed, but Divided Luke records two currents running through the onlookers (Luke 11:14-16; Matthew 12:23-24): 1. Amazement • “The crowds were amazed.” Wonder, excitement, stunned silence. • Some even ask, “Could this be the Son of David?” (Matthew 12:23). The miracle points them toward Messiah. 2. Skepticism and Misattribution • Others accuse: “By Beelzebul, the prince of the demons, He drives out demons.” • Still others demand an additional “sign from heaven.” • The same event that melts some hearts hardens others (cf. John 12:37-40). Key Lessons from Their Reaction • God’s works demand a verdict – A neutral stance is impossible; each observer either moves toward faith or toward rejection (Joshua 24:15; John 3:18). • Amazement alone is not saving faith – Many were impressed yet remained unchanged. Miracles are meant to lead to repentance and worship (Romans 2:4; John 2:23-25). • Beware attributing God’s power to evil – Jesus warns that such blasphemy courts grave judgment (Luke 11:17-23; Isaiah 5:20). • Signs never satisfy the unbelieving heart – Even spectacular deliverance can be explained away when the will resists (Luke 11:16, 29-30; Hebrews 3:12-13). • The mute man becomes a living testimony – His first words likely celebrated the One who healed him. Personal experience with Christ is often the most compelling witness (Mark 5:19-20; Psalm 107:2). Responding Rightly to Jesus’ Power Today • Receive the plain, historical record of Scripture as true. • Let amazement move to worship: bow to the Lord who liberates from sin and Satan. • Guard the heart from cynicism; ask God for eyes to see His hand in everyday life. • Speak out—like the healed man—telling others what Jesus has done (Acts 1:8). |
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