Definition: As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 9:32. It’s a really striking and dramatic image! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jesus is healing a man who’s been paralyzed for several days. He’s doing this with a lot of care and attention, but the man is incredibly unresponsive – he’s completely locked up and unable to move. As they are leaving, the crowd – including some of the religious leaders – bring him to Jesus. What's Happening? They realize this man isn’t just sick; he’s possessed by something evil. “Possessed” means that someone is under the control of an enemy spirit or demon. This is a frightening image because it suggests a powerful and unnatural force is interfering with his body. So, what does this tell us? Jesus is dealing with something supernatural: The verse highlights that Jesus isn't just focused on healing the man physically. He’s recognizing a spiritual problem – a demon or an evil spirit controlling him. The power of God: It shows that God has the power to overcome evil and restore people from being controlled by it. This is a powerful message about God’s ability to heal and protect us. In short, it's a story about a man who was seemingly paralyzed but was actually under control of something dark. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a warning against evil and the importance of fighting against spiritual forces that can harm people. It’s a reminder that God is powerful and can intervene to protect us from darkness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of this passage in more detail? Or perhaps answer any specific questions you have about it?