In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus often asks questions that pierce the heart, revealing the true nature of our faith. In Matthew 9:27-31, we encounter a brief yet profound account of two blind men who cry out to Jesus for mercy. Their story, though short, carries a weighty question that resonates with every believer: “Believe ye that I am able to do this?” This sermon, part of our series Cross-Examination: The Searching Questions of Jesus, invites us to examine our trust in Christ’s power, not just in theory, but in the specific challenges we face. Through the cry of the needy, the question that reveals, the touch that transforms, and the irony of obedience, we see the call to a faith that moves beyond words to a surrendered heart.
The Cry of the Needy (Matthew 9:27-28a)
The story begins with two blind men following Jesus, crying out, “Thou Son of David, have mercy on us” (Matthew 9:27, KJV). Their plea is both desperate and insightful. By calling Jesus “Son of David,” they acknowledge Him as the promised Messiah, the One foretold in Isaiah 35:5 and 42:7 to open the eyes of the blind. This is no casual address; it is a confession rooted in scriptural prophecy, recognizing Jesus as the King who can heal. Yet, Jesus does not stop immediately. The men follow Him, persisting in their cry as He enters a house. Their determination shows that true faith is not merely loud or public but steadfast, even when the answer seems delayed. God is not moved by the volume of our prayers but by the faith behind them. These men teach us that genuine trust pursues Christ, even into the quiet, private moments where no crowd is watching.
The Question That Reveals (Matthew 9:28b)
Once inside the house, Jesus turns to the blind men and asks, “Believe ye that I am able to do this?” (Matthew 9:28, KJV). This question cuts to the heart of their faith. It is not about their desire for healing or their knowledge of Jesus’ identity; it is about their trust in His ability to act in their specific situation. Jesus seeks more than correct theology or eloquent prayers. He wants to know if they truly believe He is sufficient for their need. This question challenges us as well. We may pray fervently, recite Scripture, or call Jesus “Lord,” but do we trust Him to intervene in the particular circumstances we face? As the pastor noted, faith is not just believing God can; it is trusting He will, even if He chooses not to, as seen in the bold faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:17-18). Jesus’ question exposes whether our prayers are rooted in dependence or merely in routine.
The Touch That Transforms (Matthew 9:29-30a)
After healing them, Jesus gives a surprising command: “See that no man know it” (Matthew 9:30, KJV). The irony is striking; He uses the verb “see” to men who moments ago were blind, instructing them to keep silent about their newfound sight. Likely, Jesus sought to avoid a frenzy of shallow followers or to align with His Father’s timing. Yet, the men cannot contain their joy. “They, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country” (Matthew 9:31, KJV). Their disobedience, in a sense, stems from an overflow of gratitude. When God moves in our lives, the natural response is to testify of His goodness. As the pastor noted, walking by faith leads to testimonies that draw others to Christ, like family members warming to the gospel through the faithful witness of believers.
Conclusion
The question Jesus posed to the blind men echoes in our hearts today: “Believe ye that I am able to do this?” It challenges us to move beyond reciting prayers or knowing the right answers to truly trusting Christ in our specific needs. Whether we face personal struggles, pray for the salvation of loved ones, or seek God’s intervention, we must ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of faithlessness. Like the father in Mark 9:24, we may need to pray, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” God’s power is never in doubt, but our faith is the switch that connects us to His work. Let us pray with expectation, trusting that Jesus is able, and live in a way that spreads His fame, unable to contain the testimony of His grace.
