Breaking Chains
Matthew 9:32-35
Background
This passage captures a powerful moment in Jesus’ ministry, where He demonstrates both His authority over demons and His deep compassion for suffering people. The crowds marvel at His works, yet the religious leaders respond with hostility, revealing the hardness of their hearts. Jesus’ healing ministry was not just about physical restoration. It was a sign of the Kingdom of God breaking into a broken world.
Scripture
“While they were going out, behold, they brought to Him a man mute and demon possessed. And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, ‘Never was anything like this seen in Israel!’ But the Pharisees said, ‘He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.’ And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” (Matthew 9:32-35)
Reflection
Jesus saw beyond the man’s physical infirmity. He recognized the spiritual bondage behind it. In the Bible, demon possession involves evil spirits exerting direct control over a person, often manifesting in afflictions like muteness, violent behavior (Mark 5:1-5), or occult knowledge (Acts 16:16-18). Unlike mere temptation or oppression, possession signifies a deeper invasion, sometimes linked to willful sin, occult involvement (Deuteronomy 18:10-12), or generational bondage (Exodus 20:5). Yet Christ’s power delivers even the most tormented (Mark 5:1-20).
The Greek word for healing here (“therapeuō”) means more than physical restoration. It implies attentive care, like a physician tending to a patient’s deepest needs. This miracle was a declaration: God’s kingdom brings wholeness, not just in body but in spirit. Darkness flees, and in the presence of Christ the King must release it’s hold on every aspect of the person affected, body, mind and spirit.
Yet, opposition arose. Imagine your mother or father or sibling who was mute suddenly shout praise to God, and people object?
The Pharisees, blinded by religious pride, accused Jesus of operating by demonic power. Their resistance reminds us that even when God moves powerfully, some hearts remain stubborn. Still, Jesus didn’t stop. He kept preaching, teaching, and healing. His compassion was undeterred by criticism.
Application
Jesus’ healing of the mute, demon-possessed man reveals His power to break every chain that silences us. Just as the demon in this passage robbed the man of his voice, there are forces today that seek to mute God’s people—whether through fear, shame, oppression, or deception. Some modern “demons” that can render a person spiritually or emotionally mute include: the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7), which paralyzes us from speaking truth; the spirit of rejection, which convinces us our voice doesn’t matter; the spirit of intimidation, which pressures us into silence; or the spirit of unworthiness, whispering that we’re too broken to be used by God. Yet Christ’s authority remains unchallenged. When we submit to Him, renounce these lies, and declare His Word, our voices are restored. Just as Jesus moved with compassion, we can extend His freedom to others—speaking life over those still bound, praying boldly for deliverance, and trusting that no demonic force can withstand the name of Jesus.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You that Jesus still moves with power and compassion today. Open my eyes to see where You are working in my life and in others’. Where there is bondage, we ask you bring freedom. Where there is doubt, bring faith. Help me walk in Your authority and love, just as Jesus did. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.
Journal
Where do I need Jesus’ healing touch—physically, emotionally, or spiritually?
Have I ever doubted God’s power because of religious tradition or pride?
How can I actively walk in Jesus’ compassion this week, bringing hope to those in need?
Jesus doesn’t heal from afar—He steps into our brokenness. Let’s trust Him, not just as a miracle-worker, but as the Savior who cares deeply for every wound we carry.
More scripture references on demon possession include: Genesis 6:1-6, Isaiah 14:22-27, Ezekiel 28:11-19, Mark 5:11-14, Ephesians 6:11, Ephesians 6:12, I Peter 5:8, II Cor. 11:14, 2 Cor. 2:11, I Timothy 1:4
