Healing The Blind
As Jesus left from there, two blind men followed him crying out, saying, “Pity us, Son of David.” And when he had gone indoors, the blind man approached him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you have faith that I am able to do this?” They replied, Yes, Lord.” Then Jesus touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith, let it happen to you.” And their eyes were opened, and Jesus commanded them sternly, “See you let no one know of this.” But as they left, they spread word of him throughout the whole land. (Matthew 9:27-31)
While Jesus was leaving, the people brought a mute demoniac to him. And when the demon was exorcized, the mute man spoke. The crowds saw this and marveled, saying, “Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He exorcises demons through the rule of the demons.” (Matthew 9:32-34)
Teaching In The Synagogues
As Jesus departed there, he went into his hometown along with his disciples. And when Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogues. Many who heard him were astonished, saying, “From where has this man received these things?” and “What wisdom has been given to this man?” and “How are such feats of power brought about by his hands?” and “Is this not the man of the craftsman, son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas, and Simon? Are not his sisters here with us?” And they were offended by him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not dishonored except in his native country and among his own kin and in his household.” He could not perform feats of power there, except for healing a few sick people by laying on of hands. Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith. (Mark 6:1-6a, Matthew 13: 54-56)
Now Jesus continued going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and announcing the good news of the Kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people. While he noticed the crowds, he was moved inwardly with compassion for them, because they were in distress and cast down, like sheep having no shepherd. He then said to his disciples, “Indeed, the harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few; pray to the Lord of the harvest, therefore, that he may send forth laborers in his harvest.” (Matthew 9: 35-38, Mark 6:6b)
