How does Matthew 9:28 connect with Hebrews 11:6 on faith's necessity? Faith Seen in a House: Matthew 9:28 • “When He had gone indoors, the blind men approached Him, and Jesus asked them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ they answered.” • Two blind men actively press into Jesus; their physical approach mirrors an inward confidence that He alone can restore sight. • Jesus makes faith the decisive issue before granting the miracle. Ability is never in question—belief is. Faith Defined in a Sentence: Hebrews 11:6 • “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” • The verse lays down a universal principle: pleasing God hinges on trusting who He is and what He can do. • Approach, belief, and reward form the threefold anatomy of genuine faith. Threading the Two Passages Together • Same Movement – Matthew: “the blind men approached Him.” – Hebrews: “anyone who approaches Him.” – Faith begins with coming to God/Christ, not standing at a distance (cf. James 4:8). • Same Requirement – Matthew: “Do you believe that I am able…?” – Hebrews: “must believe that He exists and that He rewards…” – Whether seeking sight or divine approval, faith is non-negotiable. • Same Reward Logic – Matthew: sight resulted from faith (v. 29). – Hebrews: reward flows to “those who earnestly seek Him.” – Miracle in the house illustrates the principle taught in the epistle. • Same Exclusivity – Jesus links healing solely to belief (cf. Mark 6:5-6). – The writer to Hebrews declares faith the only path to pleasing God. – Both exclude works, lineage, or ritual as alternate routes. Supporting Scriptures • John 11:40—“Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” • James 1:6-7—doubt cuts off divine response. • Romans 4:20-21—Abraham “was fully convinced that God was able,” paralleling the blind men’s confidence. Why the Connection Matters • Matthew shows the narrative proof; Hebrews states the doctrinal rule. • Together they underscore that faith is not optional seasoning to Christian life—it is the essential ingredient without which nothing pleases God or unlocks His power. • The blind men’s story becomes a living footnote to Hebrews 11:6, demonstrating that God rewards seekers who trust Him completely. Putting Faith into Practice • Approach Christ daily with the same urgency and expectancy the blind men showed. • Affirm, aloud if necessary, both God’s existence and His willingness to act. • Reject any mindset that sidesteps faith with self-reliance or ritualistic substitutes (Galatians 3:3). • Expect the “reward” God promises: not always immediate sight, but always communion with Him and fulfillment of His perfect will. |
    |