How does Matthew 9:32 demonstrate Jesus' authority over spiritual and physical realms? Setting the scene “As they were leaving, a demon-possessed man who was mute was brought to Jesus.” (Matthew 9:32) What leaps off the page • One person, two problems: a demon (spiritual) and muteness (physical). • No one else in the scene tries to help; all eyes turn to Jesus. • The verse sets up a miracle that will unfold in the next line (v. 33), showing the connection between unseen spirits and visible suffering. Authority over the spiritual realm • Demons are fallen angels (Matthew 25:41); mere humans cannot command them. • Jesus does not negotiate or invoke rituals. He simply expels them (cf. Matthew 8:16; Mark 1:27). • His word is enough because “all authority in heaven… has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). • Colossians 2:15 says He “disarmed the rulers and authorities,” pointing back to moments like this. Authority over the physical realm • The man’s muteness vanishes the instant the demon is gone (v. 33). • Isaiah 35:5-6 foretold Messiah would make “the mute tongue shout for joy,” and Jesus fulfills it literally. • Jesus treats body and soul together; He never leaves half a cure (Luke 5:24-25). • His power over sickness flows from the same divine authority that forgives sin (Matthew 9:5-6). One Lord, two domains • Spiritual oppression produced physical disability; one authoritative command removed both. • The event displays Psalm 103:19 in action: “The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.” • No part of creation—visible or invisible—lies outside His jurisdiction (Colossians 1:16-17). Take-home truths • Jesus confronts the root, not just the symptom. • Nothing in the spiritual realm can resist His command, and nothing in the physical realm can ignore it. • Followers can trust Him for complete salvation—soul and body—awaiting the final restoration promised in Romans 8:23. |
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