As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When He entered the house, the blind men came up to Him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “It shall be done to you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them: “See that no one knows about this!” But they went out and spread the news about Him throughout all that land.” St. Matthew 9:27-31 (NAS)
Consider this story carefully. Jesus has completed one event of ministry and continues on his way, but as he goes another ministry opportunity arises. Look how he reacts. First, Jesus questioned the blind men’s faith. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Second, Jesus tied their healing to the quality of their faith. “It shall be done to you according to your faith.” It is one thing to “follow” Jesus and “cry out” our desires to him. It is entirely something else to show active evidence of that faith in our lives.
This story challenges our faith . . . our understanding of faith. Personal faith is an essential element in our walk with the Lord. Faith is easily defined (Hebrews 11:1) but not easily practiced (Mt. 6:30; 8:26; 16:8). One might ask, ‘what is faith, really?’ Definitions only feed the brain and cannot adequately answer this yearning of the soul. Examples of active faith, however, enable the soul to recognize faith when it is displayed (Heb. 11). Somehow, active faith, in other believers, empowers us to understand and activate our own faith. So what is faith?
Faith is going to bathe in a pool called Siloam, without doubt, when told to do it. Faith is casting a net where Jesus said to cast the net, without question. Faith is promptly removing the stone from a tomb of the dead. Faith quickly responds, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Faith asks without hesitation, “Lord, what do you want me do?” Faith includes belief and action!
Nineteenth century pastor and author, E. M. Bounds wrote: “Obedience helps faith, and faith, in turn, helps obedience. To do God’s will is essential to true faith, and faith is necessary to implicit obedience.”
Dear Father, thank you for our faith in Christ. Empower us with both firm confidence and obedient action. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in belief and action,