What lessons on obedience can we learn from Matthew 9:31's events? Setting the Scene Matthew 9:27-31 recounts Jesus restoring sight to two blind men. After healing them, He “sternly warned them, ‘See that no one knows about this’” (v. 30). Verse 31 records their immediate response: “But they went out and spread the news about Him throughout that land.” Jesus’ Clear Command • A direct, explicit instruction: keep silent about the miracle. • The authority behind the command: the Son of God Himself. The Men’s Well-Meaning Disobedience • They had just experienced a life-changing miracle. • Their excitement and gratitude were understandable. • Yet good intentions did not nullify Jesus’ directive; they still disobeyed. Key Lessons on Obedience Today • Obedience is measured by compliance, not by motives. – 1 Samuel 15:22: “To obey is better than sacrifice.” • Partial or delayed obedience equals disobedience. • Christ’s commands sometimes run counter to our impulses or sense of urgency. • The Lord’s timing matters as much as the message itself (Ecclesiastes 3:1; John 2:4). • Love for Christ is proven through obedience, not merely enthusiasm (John 14:15). Consequences of Disobedience • Mark 1:45 shows similar disobedience hindering Jesus’ ministry; He “could no longer enter a town openly.” • Disregarding God’s plan can create confusion, resistance, or premature opposition. • Disobedience, even in excitement, reveals a misplaced focus on personal feelings over divine authority. Encouragement to Obey Christ Fully • Trust His wisdom: He sees the larger redemptive plan. • Submit promptly: “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). • Recognize that obedience prepares us for greater assignments (Luke 16:10). • Wait for His directive before acting—even in sharing good news—because timing amplifies effectiveness (Acts 1:4-8). Supporting Scriptures • John 15:14; James 1:22-25; 1 John 2:3-6—each reinforces that genuine faith produces active obedience grounded in love and reverence. |
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