Blind men and the Lord

This sermon concludes a series on Matthew chapters 8–9, where Matthew demonstrates Jesus’ authority—not only in His teaching but also through His miracles. These miracles reveal Jesus’ authority over sickness, nature, demons, sin, hopeless situations, and even death.
In today’s passage, two blind men follow Jesus, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” Their cry shows two convictions: Jesus is merciful, and He is the promised “Son of David”—the Messiah foretold in Scripture. Though physically blind, they spiritually “see” Jesus more clearly than many others.
At first, Jesus seems to ignore them, testing the genuineness of their faith. When they persist and follow Him into the house, He asks, “Do you believe I am able to do this?” Jesus already knows the answer, but He asks for their sake—to draw attention to faith as the means through which God’s blessing comes. The object of faith—not the strength of faith—is what saves. As long as the object (Jesus) is sufficient, even weak faith receives His power.
The blind men confess, “Yes, Lord,” and Jesus heals them according to their faith. Although healed, they disobey His command to keep silent, reminding us that faith does not always automatically lead to obedience.
Immediately afterward, Jesus casts out a demon from a mute man, restoring his speech. The crowds marvel, but the Pharisees respond with hostility, accusing Jesus of using Satan’s power. Thus, we see a striking contrast: blind men who truly see Christ, and sighted men (Pharisees) who are spiritually blind.
All people are spiritually blind until God opens the eyes of their hearts. Satan blinds unbelievers, but their blindness is also rooted in their own love of darkness. Only God’s supernatural work—shining the light of Christ into the heart—rescues a person from this blindness. This grace should lead believers to gratitude and to prayer for those still unable to see the glory of Christ.