October 11 (Daily reading: Matthew 9; Luke 7) In Matthew 9, we see the common thread of faith in cases where Jesus healed someone. The paralytic’s friends brought him to Jesus, and Jesus healed him because of their faith. The synagogue official had faith in Jesus, even though his daughter had died. “My daughter has just died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live” (v. 18). When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and told the mourners that the girl was sleeping, they only laughed at Him. They had no faith at all, but Jesus brought life back to the girl because of her father’s faith. The woman with the hemorrhage did not even seek an audience with Jesus. Her faith had convinced her: “If I only touch His garment, I will get well” (v. 21). Jesus told her: “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well” (v. 22). The two blind men were also convinced that Jesus could make them see. Jesus asked them: “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” When they responded “Yes,” Jesus replied: “It shall be done to you according to your faith” (v.28-29). It was the same for a demon-possessed man, because someone who cared had faith in Jesus!
In Luke 7:9, Jesus said about a centurion: “I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.” His faith gave him confidence that Jesus could heal his servant even without being present. Jesus sent a message to John the Baptist about what was happening because people had faith: “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up” (Lk. 7:22). It is no wonder that Jesus asked: “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Lk. 18:8).
– Al Gary
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