Matthew 9:18-29

To show that because of consequences, every person needs to have confidence in Christ if we are to see His power at work in our lives.

In a basement in Cologne, Germany after World War II these words, obviously written by someone who had used the place as a refuge against the ravages of the war, were found:

I believe in the sun even when it isn’t shining

I believe in God even when he is silent

I believe in love even when I feel it not

Those words from someone’s heart became the expression that had grown out of some very difficult experiences while enduring the hardships of war. *Please see the links below in regards to the origin of the quote.

In today’s Scripture, we have the expression of a dad which grew out of his great distress over the plight of his son. This was a crisis of confidence. From it, we learn that because of the consequences, every person needs to have confidence in Christ if we are to see His power at work in our life.

There are several things to observe:

• The Confusion
  • By the disappointment at the inability of the disciples (Matthew 9:18)
  • In the questioning of Jesus’ ability (Matthew 9:22)
    • If you can do anything
  • The real question (Matthew 9:23)
    • Not Jesus ability
    • The key is our ability to believe what Jesus can do
      • Everything is possible to him who believes
        • Two blind men approach Jesus for healing
          • Jesus asked, “Do you believe I can heal you?”
          • Their response was “Yes!”
          • “Be it to you according to your faith.” Mathew 9:29
• The Confession
  • Of belief. What does it mean to believe?
    • To be persuaded
    • Hence to place confidence in
    • To rely upon, not just put credence in
  • Help my unbelief
    • My belief is imperfect
    • Keep helping me with areas of lack of reliance
• The Confidence
  • Jesus is the source of hope
  • When confidence is centered in Jesus, miracles are formed

Therefore, every person needs to have confidence in Christ

• Belief in Jesus is the key that unlocks doors
• Even imperfect faith, if centered on Jesus can bring change
• Help my unbelief is a proper prayer

Below are links to a fascinating deep dive into the “I believe” saying. If you knew Grandpa, you knew he took care to research and study thoroughly before he would step into the pulpit. Most of his sermons were written without the convenience of the internet. I did some research and found the information below is inspirational. The faith of someone living during a horrific time in our history, yet remaining strong despite circumstances. There is much beauty in this story.

I Believe in the Sun

I Believe in the Sun Part II

I Believe in the Sun Part III

I Believe in the Sun Part IV

I Believe in the Sun Part V