His Healing by Faith

December 12, 2021

Advent 2021

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“Jesus stopped and called them. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ he asked. ‘Lord,’ they answered, ‘we want our sight.’ Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” (Matthew 20:32-34)

“What do you want?!” We’ve all probably exclaimed those words in exasperation to someone at some point in our lives. Irritated by an interruption, we express frustration toward another person.

The stories we read today depict two very different examples of Jesus’ touch of healing upon human lives. In the first story Jesus descends from the Mount of Transfiguration to encounter His disciples, who are apparently unable to bring healing to a young boy oppressed by a demon. In the past, Jesus’ disciples have done such works but now they are failing. The boy’s father pleads with Jesus to do what His disciples cannot do. The entire situation brings an unexpectedly exasperated response from Jesus, directed at the disciples and an entire generation marked by sin’s brokenness and a faltering faith in God. The Messiah has come to bring healing and salvation, but humanity struggles to grasp it.

The second story takes place as Jesus is fixedly journeying toward Jerusalem, where He knows He will suffer and die. Two blind men, who ironically see Jesus for who He is (“Son of David”), beg Him to restore their sight. Jesus asks them a simple question, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Matthew 20:32). After they respond, Jesus heals them. That question of Jesus lingers for us too. We would do well to consider what it is that we want Jesus to do for us.

This Advent, let us come with faith to the One who can heal in ways we most need. Let us voice our need and let us worship Him.

For Personal Reflection: Use the sermon discussion questions found bundled with today’s sermon. Missed the sermon? Catch up online at eastbrook.org/tisthereason.

✧ Nativity Building: Scatter some sheep figures all around the room. Let them remind you of how people are lost without the Good Shepherd, Jesus.