We begin a New Year with what seem to be overwhelming troubles in the world and in many individual lives. In times of trouble the most unlikely people find religion and we are often surprised to find who among our friends and acquaintances has turned to faith driven by fear and apprehension or pressing need. Fear, apprehension and need can drive us to all sorts of things that might appear to offer helps and solutions and all kinds of "authorities" present themselves with words of reassurance in exchange for our loyalties. In such circumstances it would be good to consider seriously the song of the psalmist:

"I lift my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth" (Ps.121:1-2)

In this section of Matthew's gospel we find Jesus, on the one hand, calling others to "follow me" and, at the same time demonstrating that his are not empty promises; that our faith is well placed when it is placed in him. In the Sermon on the Mount we found him teaching "as one who had authority and not as their teachers of the law" (Mt.7:29) Now we see him demonstrating his power the authority.

With authority he heals the sick (Mt.8:14-17) With authority he controls nature (Mt.8:23-27) With authority he commands demons (Mt.8:28-32) With authority he forgives sin (Mt.9:1-8) With authority he gives life (Mt.9:18-26)

To the leper Jesus demonstrates his willingness to use his authority to bless mankind; to the centurion he demonstrates the absolute nature of his authority and power (Mt.8:1-13).

Finally, Jesus heals two blind men (Mt.9:27-31) and this is perhaps the most important miracle for our purposes in mission. In times when people are inclined to turn to religion we must remember that there is another Jesus, a different Spirit and a different gospel (2 Co.11:4). In such circumstances it is imperative that people have their eyes opened to see the true Jesus, to see where true authority and power lie. People need to see that Jesus gives us hope for today and not just for the great bye-and-bye, as important as the final fulfilment of God's promises is.

Jesus asked the leper if he believed Jesus was willing. He asked the blind men whether they believed he was able. We need to demonstrate to people that he is both willing and able today and help them say with the psalmist:

"My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth"

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