Matthew 9:32–34

Matthew 9:32–34 (ESV): Jesus Heals a Man Unable to Speak

Synopsis

This passage describes another healing by Jesus, and the reaction of the Pharisees. The account is simple enough: a man who is mute because is is oppressed by a demon (verse 32 (ESV)) is brought to Jesus, who casts the demon out, enabling the man to speak. The crowds marvel at this, and say that nothing like it has ever been seen before in Israel, but the Pharisees aren’t buying it:

But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.” (verse 34 (ESV))

Thoughts

This isn’t a very surprising reaction from the Pharisees; if I put myself in their shoes, I probably would have thought the same thing. “This man is saying things which don’t match my beliefs—and the beliefs of my forefathers, for however many generations—but he’s doing things that are obviously very powerful. So where is that power coming from? If my beliefs about God are correct the power can’t be coming from Him, so… the power must be coming from Satan!” From their frame of reference, it’s a logical conclusion to come to, but their frame of reference is obviously wrong, because Jesus’ power is coming from God.

It’s a hard thing to change core, ingrained beliefs. The only reason I believe that Jesus is the Son of God is because of the power of the Holy Spirit.