What can we learn about faith from the crowd's reaction in Matthew 12:22? Setting the Scene “Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, so that the mute man could speak and see.” (Matthew 12:22) A desperate man is carried before the Lord. In a moment, sight is restored, speech is freed, and bondage to darkness is broken. Observing the Crowd’s Actions • They bring the afflicted man to Jesus instead of leaving him in his helpless state. • They stay close enough to witness the miracle firsthand. • They respond with stunned amazement (v. 23) and wonder aloud, “Could this be the Son of David?” What Their Reaction Reveals About Faith • Faith brings people to Christ. – Their first impulse is not analysis but action: “Get him to Jesus.” – Similar pattern: friends lowering the paralytic through the roof (Mark 2:3-5). • Faith keeps its eyes open for the Lord’s work. – They remain present, anticipating what He might do. • Faith is stirred by evidence but still must decide. – Seeing the miracle, they wrestle with the Messianic question. – Faith is not blind credulity; it weighs real deeds (John 10:37-38). • Faith can begin with amazement but must move to confession. – Marveling is good; declaring Christ as Lord is better (Romans 10:9-10). • Faith faces opposition. – Immediately, Pharisees accuse Jesus of demonic power (Matthew 12:24). True faith must stand amid skepticism. Lessons for Our Own Walk • Bring the broken to Jesus—intercession and invitation are acts of faith. • Stay near enough to notice His answers; don’t drop off requests and walk away. • Let God’s works deepen conviction. Evaluate miracles, providences, and fulfilled Scripture. • Move from amazement to allegiance. Faith matures when wonder turns into worship. • Expect resistance; hold fast to the testimony of what Christ has done. Scriptures That Echo These Truths • Hebrews 11:6 — “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” • John 11:40 — “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” • Psalm 34:8 — “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” • 1 Peter 1:8 — “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him… you believe and rejoice.” Putting It into Practice 1. Identify one hurting person and deliberately “bring” them to Jesus this week—through a visit, a prayer, or sharing the gospel. 2. Keep a journal of answered prayers to train your heart to notice His works. 3. When God acts, move beyond amazement: voice gratitude, share the testimony, and let obedience follow. |
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