553. MAT 9:32, MAT 9:33. THE DUMB SPIRIT CAST OUT

Mat_9:32, Mat_9:33. The Dumb Spirit Cast Out

"As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel."’97Mat_9:32, Mat_9:33.

It would appear that the person on whom this miracle was wrought was not deaf, and therefore dumb by nature from his birth, but one whose speech was prevented by an evil spirit dwelling in him. In some of the cases of persons possessed with devils, they were excited to violent ravings, and became dangerous to those around them. In other cases they appeared to have been deprived of the use of their limbs; while in others, as in this case, the organs of hearing or speaking only were affected. It is obvious that this must have been a great calamity, inflicting extreme wretchedness both on the sufferer and his friends. And humanly speaking, the case was hopeless. For by what earthly instrumentality could the demon be expelled, and his miserable victim be rescued from his grasp? Jesus, however, came expressly to free men from Satan’s galling yoke, and to open the prison door to such as were bound. We see this beautifully exemplified in the case of the man before us. Observe his malady’97his introduction to Christ’97and the deliverance effected. Notice,

I. His malady. "He was a dumb man possessed with a devil," Mat_9:32. As we consider his dumbness to have arisen from the power of the evil spirit, let us advert,

1. To the spirit that dwelt in him. An evil spirit had possession of his mind and body. He was the miserable victim of Satanic agency and power. A striking representation of the human heart subject to the wicked control of Satan. And let it be remembered that all men are either under the dominion of God or of the devil. Every heart is the throne of the Holy Spirit or of the Spirit of Evil. And in all unrenewed, unbelieving souls, Satan has his seat. He dwells in them. He bids them go and they go, and come and they come, and do this or that and they do it. His yoke he places on their neck, and his fetters and manacles on their faculties and powers. How debased, ignominious, and wretched is such a state!

2. He was dumb. The power of speech is one of the distinguishing features of human beings. Doubtless the inferior creatures can convey their desires, &c., to their own species. But it is reserved for man to possess the high endowment of speech, to enjoy the blessing of conversation. Thus reason sheds abroad her light. Thus mind has intercourse with mind. And thus heart enjoys delightful communion with kindred hearts. Happy when the power of speech is under the rule of enlightened reason, and happier still when the conversation is always seasoned with grace. But there is a spiritual dumbness, as well as that which applies to the organs of natural speech. This is true,

(1.) Of those who disregard the Divine works and word. Who never speak of God. Of his character, works, or ways. They are silent concerning the Divine attributes and glory.

(2.) Of those who never pray. Who never speak to God in supplication and intercession. Strangers to the language of devotion.

(3.) Of those who never speak for God. By extolling his goodness or celebrating his mercy. How many, in all these respects, are possessed with a dumb devil. But observe,

II. He was introduced to Christ. "They brought him" to Jesus. Here was consideration, kindness, true compassion. Doubtless they commiserated the man, and had faith in the Saviour. The great work devolving on the members of the church of

Christ is to bring men to him. It is theirs to feel for the wretched and the perishing, who are without God and without hope in the world. They can well feel and compassionate their state when they remember their own former miserable condition. They know the power and preciousness of Christ. His ability and willingness to save. On them, therefore, it devolves to employ their talents and influence in bringing souls to the Redeemer.

(1.) Parents should labor to do this with their children.

(2.) Teachers with their juvenile charge.

(3.) Christians with all their friends. This is the truest benevolence, the most noble and Godlike charity to others. This man was brought to Christ, into the immediate presence of him before whom devils feared and trembled. Observe,

III. The deliverance effected. The details of the cure are not presented. The processes not given. But it is clear that the devil was cast out, &c.

1. The man was dispossessed. The malevolent intruding spirit was cast out. Probably by the mere bidding of the Saviour. Hence the poet rapturously sings,

"Jesus the name high over all,

In hell, or earth, or sky:

Angels and men before it fall,

And devils fear and fly."

Thus Christ also by his converting grace delivers men from the power of the devil and from the dominion of sin.

2. His mouth was opened. He now "spoke." The cause was removed, and the evil effect ceased. Would he not speak gratefully and joyously! Would he not exult and glorify Christ! Would he not

"Tell to those around,

What a dear Saviour he had found."

Grace opens the mouth in thanksgiving and praise. "He hath put," says the psalmist, "a new song into my mouth," "even praise to our God." Psa_40:3. "I will praise thee: for though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away: and behold thou comfortedst me." Isa_12:1.

Learn,

1. The malevolence and power of the prince of darkness.

2. The misery of human nature through the entrance of sin into our world.

3. The grace and efficacy of the Lord Jesus.

4. Our duty to those who are far from Christ, and ignorant of his favor and love.

5. The glory which redounds to Christ from his wondrous doings. Mat_9:33.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS