Key Thought

Once again, Jesus demonstrates his power to heal and restore. Based on the faith expressed by the two blind men, Jesus healed them. But notice also the phrases "After Jesus went inside" and "Don't tell anyone about this." While Jesus was powerful, his power was used to show his compassion and care, not to gain a following. Matthew reminds us again and again that following Jesus is about obeying his commands. Jesus, as God with us -- our Immanuel, is all about teaching and showing compassion. Blending these two is the art of faithful Christian service.

Today's Prayer

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Almighty and awesome God, you are glorious and you have chosen to reveal that glory with both power and compassion. Please use your Spirit to give me a heart of compassion and to show me how to live a victorious Christian life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verses in Context

When Jesus was leaving there, two blind men followed him. The blind men said loudly, "Show kindness to us, Son of David. " Jesus went inside, and the blind men went with him. Jesus asked the men, "Do you believe that I am able to make you see again?" The blind men answered, "Yes, Lord, we believe." Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "You believe that I can make you see again, so this will happen." Then the men were able to see again. Jesus warned them very strongly. Jesus said, "Don't tell any person about this." But the blind men left and spread the news about Jesus all around that area. When the two men were leaving, some people brought another man to Jesus. This man could not talk because he had a demon inside him. Jesus forced the demon to leave the man. Then the man that couldn't talk was able to speak. The people were amazed and said, "We have never seen anything like this in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "The leader of demons (the devil) is the one that gives him (Jesus) power to force demons out." Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages. Jesus taught in their synagogues and told people the Good News about the kingdom. And Jesus healed all kinds of diseases and sicknesses. Jesus saw the many people and felt sorry for them. Jesus felt sorry for the people because the people were worried and helpless. The people were like sheep without a shepherd to lead them. Jesus said to his followers, "There are many, many people to harvest (save). But there are only a few workers to help harvest them. God owns the harvest (people). Pray to him that he will send more workers to help gather his harvest." Jesus called his twelve followers together. Jesus gave them power over evil spirits. Jesus gave them power to heal every kind of disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles : Simon (also called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James,son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot. Judas is the one that gave Jesus to his enemies.

— Matthew 9:27-10:4 (ERV)

Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.