Matthew 12:22-30, Messianic Miracle #2 (1)

We have relied often on several “Messianic” authors (Jewish Christians) for deeper understanding of Scripture.  Victor Buksbazen (esp. his Isaiah commentary), Charles Lee Feinberg (his commentary on the Minor Prophets was referenced recently), and Arnold Fruchtenbaum (we use his Historical and Geographical Study Guide of Israel when we travel in Israel; his material can be accessed on Ariel Ministries webpage).

In one of his studies (Ariel Ministries’ Messianic Bible Study #035) Fruchtenbaum distinguishes between “general miracles” which the ancient rabbis believed could be performed by anyone empowered by the Holy Spirit, and “messianic miracles” which they believed could and would be performed only by the Messiah.  He mentions three of these signs: the healing of the leper (Mt. 8:2-4), casting out the demon from the blind and mute man (Mt. 12:22-30), and healing the man born blind (Jn. 9).  [Note: others add a fourth, the raising from the dead a person after three days, as in the case of Lazarus in John 11. Cf. haderekministries.com; The Four Messianic Miracles.]

One thing Fruchtenbaum points out is the extraordinary response from the Jews when Jesus performed these miracles.  In each case the miracle in some way involves the religious leadership, the “shepherds of Israel.”  Because of the rabbinical teaching, these miracles were scrutinized carefully.  In today’s passage, the leadership is put in a position where they must explain where Jesus’ power comes from.  They cannot deny the miracle so they must account for it in such a way that they do not honor Jesus.

·        12:22: the powerful sign.  There is no question this is major.  The man cannot see and cannot speak; and the reason is demonic.  For the rabbis it was required that the Messiah demonstrate His authority over the spirit-world.  So Jesus healed the man with no gimmicks.  Later in the passage Jesus will refer to others in the day that would seek to cast out demons.  They always used gimmicks of some sort, perhaps an incantation or some sort.  But Jesus exhibited His divine power and authority; He simply healed the man.  And clearly, the man was healed!

·        12:23: the people’s suggestion.  First, understandably, the people were amazed.  But that is not the “final answer.”  Their amazement tells us something truly happened; it could not be denied.  But Jesus was not simply out to amaze people; He was, as we have noted, making a statement about Himself.  Thus a proper response to the miracle is called for.  People must deal with the question, who is this Man?  The Samaritan woman asked, could this be the Christ (Jn. 4:29)?  On another occasion the crowd wondered, will the Christ do more signs than this (Jn. 7:31).  In our passage the multitudes ask, could this be the Son of David?  This is, of course, a very Messianic question, coming from the OT prophecy about David (2 Sam. 7:12; Ps. 89:3; Isa. 9:6-7; 11:1). 

We will continue our study in the next post.  But let us contemplate: When I come to Jesus am I asking the right question?