Matthew 9:28

New International Version

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.

For Encouragement

What do you want me to do for you? Do you believe I can do this? Do you want to see?

These are questions Jesus often asked before displaying His authority and power. Each centered on faith, not on His ability to meet needs. Jesus instead challenged their faith, urging them to abandon doubt and trust Him fully.

The situation with the father of the demon-possessed boy, whose case the disciples couldn’t heal, illustrates this principle. The father clearly expressed his frustration to Jesus over the disciples’ inability (Mk. 9:16-18). In response to Jesus’ question, the father ended his reply with a plea for mercy and a mix of faith and doubt. In this context, the Lord assured him that everything is possible to all who believe; to which the boy’s father responded:

“I believe; help my unbelief” (21-24).

Jesus pushed the father to admit his fears, doubts, and weak faith. Two things followed—his doubt was healed, and his son delivered (26-27).

Sometimes we trust Jesus’ authority to do the impossible, yet doubt tugs at our faith. Questions arise: Can He, really? Is He willing, knowing my unworthiness and sinfulness? Does He love me as He says? Am I favored, as others are? Other people’s behavior, like the disciples’ in the story, can also weaken our faith, leading us to question if it’s true. Whatever the reason, whether for the father or for us, double-mindedness is an obstacle to faith. James makes this clear.

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do” (Jas. 1:6-8).

In contrast, the two blind men who came to Jesus for healing showed the faith that receives (9:27-30). Though their understanding of His identity (27) was imperfect, it was enough for them to trust His authority and ability to restore their sight. When Jesus asked if they believed He could heal them, their answer was clear and confident.

“Yes, Lord.“

Jesus said:

“According to your faith, let it be done to you” (28-29). And their eyes were opened.

It is important to recognize that our Lord sometimes, and circumstantially, draws out and displays people’s faith, encouraging others to have that level of faith in Him in their situations (Cf. 8:1-13; 15:26-28).

Therefore, remember that your needs are like everyone else’s, as all need the mercy of our loving God and His grace for our good and His glory. The nature, weight, intensity, or impossibility of your need does not matter. Bring it to Jesus, trusting His nature and character with absolute confidence. Accept His sovereignty and yield to His Lordship. As you do, believe He is faithful, and you can trust that He will work for your good and His glory (Matt. 7:7-11).

Pray with Me

Lord, I believe, but my doubts often weaken my faith. Please help me overcome unbelief when I pray. Thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.