By Jason Schleicher
Matthew 12:22-23
Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”
Have you ever played the “what if game” in your mind regarding faith matters? What if the world was randomly formed by meteors crashing into one another? What if the Bible is all made up? What if Jesus didn’t exist? After seeing Jesus perform another amazing healing miracle, the people who witnessed it played the “what if game” in their minds. What if Jesus IS the promised Messiah? Could He be the One?
The Pharisees heard about this miraculous event and dismissed Jesus immediately.
“It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”
– Matthew 12:24
Wow. Talk about bitter. Essentially, they said: “Jesus is the one who is demon-possessed.” Except they didn’t even call Him by His name. Scripture makes it clear they had already been plotting how to kill Jesus. Jesus responded to the Pharisees and all the astounded people with a logical argument that a demon would not drive out a demon. Then, our Savior gave all the “what if” thinkers of all time something to seriously ponder.
“But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
– Matthew 12:28
Could it be that the Son of David has really come to earth? What if He is the Savior promised long ago? Who else could miraculously heal someone who couldn’t previously see or speak? Jesus answered the “what ifs” with an emphatic: “Yeah, it’s me,” by His miracles of care and love. Put your what if questions to rest this Lenten season. The kingdom of God has come upon us!
Pray with me…
Lord Jesus, You weren’t looking for attention when You performed miracles. Instead, You pointed people to the kingdom of God which is ours even now. Thank You for Your power and love for all people, including us. Open our eyes to see where we can serve others around us. Give us boldness to speak in Your name. We trust You and love You, Lord, and we pray this in Your holy name. Amen.