Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Matthew 9:27-34), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• Being blind means you cannot perceive some aspects of reality. What does being spiritually blind mean? What can the spiritually blind not “see,” and why can they not “see” it? Do those who are spiritually blind recognize the fact that they are spiritually blind? How does it feel to become aware of your spiritual blindness? What can be done about spiritual blindness? How do you think/feel about those around you who are spiritually blind? What expectations might you have of them? How do you engage with them, or pray on their behalf?

• Jesus Christ, the Son of David, ruler of God’s eternal kingdom, has the power to extend God’s mercy to us. Why does he have this power? How has he exercised this power? Has he extended God’s mercy to you? Have you recognized your need for God’s mercy in Christ? What does his mercy “do” for you? What difference does it make in your life? Why would you need it? Do you feel you need it more or less than others do? Why is God’s mercy in Christ the greatest need of every sinner on the planet?

• Being mute means you cannot articulate your thoughts, you cannot confess your beliefs, you cannot give expression to your heart, you cannot celebrate and share what is most important to you through speech or song. In this passage, the man’s muteness is due to oppression by a spiritual force that is greater than himself. We are spiritually mute—unable to confess and celebrate Christ as Lord—unless we are set free from the spiritual forces of darkness through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:3). Do you confess that Jesus is Lord (Rom. 10:9)? Do you actually do this out loud, with your mouth? Do you proclaim this to others outside the church? Do you sing this Good News from the heart? Do you thank God for setting you free to do this? Do you pray that God would further set you free to do this? Why are sinners reluctant to confess that Jesus is Lord, to celebrate him in public?