A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

DO YOU BELIEVE I AM ABLE TO DO THIS?     

Matthew 9:27-29 “As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When He had gone indoors, the blind men came to Him, and He asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied.”   

The last several devotions have been based upon Jesus’ healings and in one case raising a young girl back to life from death. In each instance there was a statement of faith on the part of the one to whom Jesus ministered. In every one of these miracles those who were the beneficiaries acknowledged Jesus with Messianic names. 

In today’s devotional verses Jesus asked the blind men, “Do you believe I am able to do this?” They too gave testimony to the faith they had in Him to heal them, “Yes, Lord,” they answered His question. They acknowledged they not only believed He could heal them but that He was “the Lord.” 

Jesus continues to ask the question He asked the blind men. Countless men and women from all over the world pray to Him to bring about a miracle in their life or of someone they care deeply about. Is this not why during worship services in the prayers of the church the sick, injured, dying, help in recovery from natural disasters, etc. are prayed by the congregation. Is the pastor merely speaking words or do you believe he is addressing “the Lord” in behalf of those or the situations included in the prayers? Does God still work miracles today? 

When you are anxious about anything, Peter urges you to “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He (the Lord) cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Jesus encourages you to “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)   

Jesus urges you to believe that your prayers will be heard and answered. He promises you, “I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it.” (Matthew 14:13-14) 

Prayer: Lord, hear my prayers and answer them in accord to Your will and for my good and the good of all for whom I pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heav’n to earth come down!  
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling, All Thy faithful mercies crown  
Jesus, Thou art all compassion, Pure, unbounded love Thou art;  
Visit us with Thy salvation, Enter ev’ry trembling heart. 

Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit Into ev’ry troubled breast;  
Let us all in Thee inherit; Let us find Thy promised rest.  
Take away the love of sinning; Alpha and Omega be;  
End of faith, as its beginning, Set our hearts at liberty. 

Come, Almighty, to deliver; Let us all Thy life receive;  
Suddenly return, and never, Nevermore Thy temples leave.  
Thee we would be always blessing, Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray and praise Thee without ceasing, Glory in Thy perfect love. 

Finish then Thy new creation, Pure and spotless let us be;   
Let us see Thy great salvation Perfectly restored in Thee,  
Changed from glory into glory, Till in heav’n we take our place.  
Till we cast our crowns before Thee, Lost in wonder, love, and praise.  

Love Diving, All Loves Excelling // LSB 700