Faith That Sees Through Desperation, Disruption, and Disbelief

As Jesus was saying this, the leader of a synagogue came and knelt before him. “My daughter has just died,” he said, “but you can bring her back to life again if you just come and lay your hand on her.”

So Jesus and his disciples got up and went with him. Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, for she thought, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

When Jesus arrived at the official’s home, he saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music. “Get out!” he told them. “The girl isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” But the crowd laughed at him. After the crowd was put outside, however, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up! The report of this miracle swept through the entire countryside.

After Jesus left the girl’s home, two blind men followed along behind him, shouting, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?” “Yes, Lord,” they told him, “we do.” Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, “Don’t tell anyone about this.” But instead, they went out and spread his fame all over the region.

When they left, a demon-possessed man who couldn’t speak was brought to Jesus. So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. “Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!” they exclaimed. But the Pharisees said, “He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons.” MATTHEW 9:18-34 NLT

TO WALK BY FAITH AS A DISCIPLE OF JESUS I MUST:

CONFRONT THE DISBELIEF STILL HIDING IN MY HEART

When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him… He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. MARK 6:2-3, 5 NIV

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. HEBREWS 3:12 NIV

COME TO JESUS IN MY DESPERATION

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. PSALM 34:18 NIV

WELCOME THE DISRUPTION THAT COMES WITH HEALING

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet space to be with God. Take a few deep breaths and invite Him to meet you in this moment. “Desperation is what brings me close when pride would rather keep distance.” That truth plays out in every part of this week’s passage. Each person in this story had come to the end of themselves. Each one reached out to Jesus. Are you willing to admit where you’re feeling desperate right now? Not just busy or tired, but truly in need? What’s keeping you from bringing those feelings to Jesus? Are pride, fear, shame, uncertainty, or something else standing between you and your Savior? Jesus doesn’t avoid desperate people. He draws near to them. Slowly read Matthew 9:18–34. What stands out to you about the way Jesus sees, stops for, and heals each person? Is there a part of your story that feels too messy, small, or broken for Him to care about? Bring that part of you to Him right now. Jesus asked the blind men, “Do you believe I can do this?” (Matthew 9:28). If He asked you that about your current situation, how would you answer—and why? As you close this time, take a moment to be still before God. Name your need. Invite Jesus in. Whether you’re filled with faith or still wrestling with doubt, know this: Jesus sees you, He welcomes you, and He is not afraid of your desperation. Let Him meet you there.

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering two options for discussing the sermon and Scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage: Start by reading Matthew 9:18-34 (NLT) out loud.

2. Explore the Theme: What are the main points or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity? Consider the other passages referenced in the sermon notes in your discussion.

3. Apply the Lesson: How do we apply these passages to our lives today? What from the passage might God be encouraging or challenging you in?

4. Live It Out: What prayerful and specific action will you take based on what you learned?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

START HERE: What’s something recent that made you stop and say, “I can’t believe that just happened.”

START HERE: When someone shares good news, is your first instinct excitement, caution or something else?

START HERE: Why do you think it’s so hard to admit when we’re desperate?

KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 9:18-34 NLT. What stands out to you from these encounters with Jesus, especially the people who came to Him?

KEEP GOING: Why did some people miss what Jesus was doing, even though they saw the miracles with their own eyes?KEEP GOING: What could be blinding you from seeing the work of Jesus going on in you and around you?

KEEP GOING: Jesus stops for the bleeding woman in the middle of a “bigger” crisis. What does that tell us about how He sees people? Does that challenge how you see yourself or others?

KEEP GOING: What might Jesus need to clear from your room of disbelief so you don’t miss what He is doing right in front of you?

KEEP GOING: Jesus asked, “Do you believe I can do this?” Matthew 9:28 (NLT) If He asked you that about your current situation, how would you answer and why?

LIVE IT OUT: What might it mean for you to welcome the "disruption" that comes with following Jesus more fully?

LIVE IT OUT: Where have you settled for survival instead of believing God for transformation? What would it mean to take one step of faith in that area?