Sharper Iron — The Reign of Heaven Stands Near – Matthew 9:18-34: Death, Disability, and Demons Overcome

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A ruler comes to Jesus, asking Him to lay His hand on the ruler’s dead daughter to give her life again. As Jesus goes, He gives cleansing life to another daughter whose issue of blood has made her unclean. As Jesus’ touch brings life to this woman, so His touch brings life to the girl who has died. After leaving the house, two blind men cry out to Jesus for mercy. With faith in Jesus as the Son of David, they receive the gift of sight from the Lord. Soon, people bring a demon-oppressed man to Jesus, and He casts out the demon and makes the man speak once more. While this leads the crowds to astonishment, the Pharisees are convinced that Jesus is working in league with the devil.

Rev. Dr. Daniel Brege, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church—Preble, near Decatur, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 9:18-34.

To learn more about St. Paul Lutheran Church—Preble, visit stpaulpreble.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Together in faith, LCEF helps to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS ministries through financial and strategic partnerships. Visit lcef.org.

Matthew 9:18-34

A Girl Restored to Life and a Woman Healed

[18] While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” [19] And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. [20] And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, [21] for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” [22] Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. [23] And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, [24] he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. [25] But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. [26] And the report of this went through all that district.

Jesus Heals Two Blind Men

[27] And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” [28] 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.” [29] Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” [30] And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” [31] But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

Jesus Heals a Man Unable to Speak

[32] As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. [33] And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” [34] But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”