April 12, 2026 -- Matthew 12:22-24 -- Jesus, the Compassionate, Healer King

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

22 Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” Matthew 12:22–24
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025).
 
Just a few verses prior to this reading, Matthew quoted from Isaiah (Isaiah 42:1-3). He used this quotation to explain Who Jesus is and to explain why Jesus told the crowds not to tell others who He is. A quick review might help. Jesus is the chosen one of God, sent to be the suffering servant. Jesus is the suffering servant Who is Spirit-filled and therefore has been anointed and equipped to do the work the Father has given. He is loved by the Father, because He lays down His life for the sheep—that is for sinful, confused and wayward people, such as we are (John 10:17). Finally, Jesus proclaims justice (Matthew 12:18, 21) which is the work of a King. The king who rules in justice both knows the laws of God and applies those laws. The king who rules in justice extends the territory of God with the goal that one day the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of God, as the waters cover the sea. He is the king who rules both with justice and compassion. He will not break a bruised reed, nor will He snuff out a smoldering wick. The smallest sign of life He will treasure and defend.
 
The narrative before us, starting in verse 22, proves that some people “get it”. They understand the role of Jesus as king. When a blind and mute man, a man under the power of the enemy of God, was presented to Jesus, Jesus defeated the enemy. The people asked, “Can this be the Son of David?” It is a clear reference to His status as a worthy descendant of David. A royal son. A man who by His defense of the people is upholding the law of God. A just king, who exercises compassion on the weakest of men. The Pharisees prove they are more blind then was the formerly blind and mute and demon-oppressed man before he was healed by Jesus.
 
Jesus offers several words of explanation, using the sign as the basis of instructing the people present Who He really is. First off, notice how compassionate He is. There are crowds who have witnessed the sign. There are Pharisees who have maliciously misinterpreted the sign. There are those who loved the demon-oppressed blind and mute man, loving him enough to have brought him to Jesus. And there, in front of Jesus, is a man who can now see and speak. He is suddenly in the spotlight and his rescuer, Jesus, is being called a man in league with demons. All the controversy surrounds his healing. What will Jesus do? How will this man be protected from the onslaught of careless words and speculations?
 
What a glorious Savior Jesus is. Rescuer of the weak, merciful to the barely alive, smoldering wick, but valuable in the eyes of God. What a glorious picture of the community of Jesus, compassionate friends bring the demon-oppressed, blind and mute man to Jesus for healing. They know Jesus is the only source of salvation and healing. Hallelujah, what a Savior!
 
Father in heaven, thank You for the rescue You appointed for Your people through Jesus Christ. Thank You Jesus, King of Glory, master in mercy, for the healing You bring through Your reconciling work at the cross. Spirit of the Living God, prompt us to bring wounded and weary souls to Jesus, where they find rest. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/BppKOFLig2w?si=gHEH0Xs1LpJivODZ Only There
 

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