Matthew 9:27-31
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he entered the house, the blind men came 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 and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, “See that no one knows of this.” But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district.
On the face of it, this appears to be one more story that illustrates the two-part nature of faith. First, two blind men acknowledge their need by following Jesus and crying out to him for healing. Second, they attest to their belief that Jesus can grant what they request. Jesus both affirms them and confirms their faith – and this understanding of faith – by saying, “According to your faith let it be done to you.”
But then something different happens. Jesus warns these two formerly blind men – Matthew, in fact, tell us that he warns them sternly! – not to tell anyone. But they tell people anyway.
Two interesting questions: 1) Why did Jesus warn them to keep quiet? 2) How does perfect faith suddenly turn to disobedience…and is it really disobedience if you’re telling others what Jesus did for you?
As to the first, we honestly don’t know. It might be that Jesus didn’t want to be besieged even more by people looking for cures. It might be that he doesn’t want people to follow him for the wrong reason, running after healing and missing Jesus’ larger invitation into the kingdom of God. It might be that this was a strategy to spread his ministry because he knew that if he told people to be quiet they would probably tell all the more. It might be that the timing is not right, that there is more work he needs to accomplish before his fame – and later, infamy – spreads and leads to the conflicts in Jerusalem. It might be…. Truth be told, scholars and preachers and everyday Christians have puzzled for centuries over what is sometimes called the “messianic secret.” We just don’t know.
But what about those formerly blind men? Why do they spread the news about Jesus when he told them not to? Again, no definitive answer presents itself, although here I’m more willing to hazard a confident guess. I think it’s just really, really hard to keep blessing a secret. When you are blessed, you want to tell, even to share that blessing. That’s how blessing works…always. Blessing demands a witness. And when you happen to experience profound blessing – like receiving sight after years of blindness – the experience is too rich, too wonderful, too good not to share.
And so the blind men, having demonstrated perfect faith by following, asking, and believing, now disobey Jesus because blessing this good demands a response even when the one who blessed you asks it be kept quiet.
Prayer: Dear God, give us eyes to see the blessings all around us and hearts and tongues eager to share what we witness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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