Handout - Matthew Chapter 9:27-38 - Healings and the Harvest

 by Stan Feldsine (www.tojesusbeallglory.com)

Matthew 9:27-31 - Jesus Heals Two Blind Men

This is another milestone account in the advancement of the Kingdom acceptance by the people. This is the first record of the use of the term "Son of David" by the people who were following Jesus around. The blind men clearly believed that Jesus was indeed the promised King that the angel Gabriel prophesied of (Luk 1:32-33).

The people were increasingly considering this possibility, and the blind men were the tip of the iceberg. Jesus's miracles and healings were revealing His authority over nature and death itself, and the people were believing (Mat 12:23).

But the Pharisees vehemently rejected the idea that Jesus was the Son of David (Mat 12:24, Mat 21:15-16).

The blind men followed Jesus from Jairus's house as he left, and followed him into possibly Peter's house, as was previously the case (Mat 8:14), or perhaps Matthew's house (Mat 9:10). According to their faith, they too were healed of their blindness.

Matthew 9:32-34 - Jesus Heals a Mute Man

One after the other, Jesus brings healing to people who come to him. This time it is a demon possessed man who was mute, and once again, Jesus brings healing to the man.

Again, we have a miracle of healing that has never been seen before, and the crowd was amazed.

But the Pharisees are becoming hard set against Jesus, and accuse Him of doing His works of healing by the power of the prince of demons.

Matthew 9:35-38 - Harvest Plentiful, Laborers Few

Matthew records a summary of sorts to all that he has recorded regarding Jesus's miracles and healings. Although many from the crowds received healing and deliverance, there where many times more that were not healed due to proximity and sheer numbers.

As Jesus surveyed the landscape He has compassion on the people, and states that there is a great harvest available, but few workers to bring it in.

Jesus did not see "sinners", He saw people who were distressed and down trodden. He viewed the people as sheep without a shepherd. It is the religious that have left the people in such sad shape (Eze 34:1-6).

Could their be a parallel today in mega churches where leadership is more concerned with growing the church and their reputations than caring for the people? The analogy of sheep is appropriate for people, being easily confused, tending to get lost, without defensive capabilities themselves. Jesus expected the shepherds to care for these people, but they had not.

This passage is not a "soul winning" passage, being addressed to and intended to care for the scattered people of God who need a shepherd (Eph 4:11-14, Act 20:28-30).

Finally it is to be noted that the direction here is not to go around trying to find warm bodies to press into service, but rather to pray to the "Lord of the harvest" that HE send the workers.