"And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them: 'See that no one knows about this!' But they went out and spread the news about Him throughout all that land."

Sinful disobedience stains everything that we do. In our good works of spreading the gospel, there's enough bad work that we're defiled. Let us never rest on our preaching. Let's never get above the ground of sinners, saved by grace. He has made us whole, and we do see, but we are not good enough to be the subject of the message. It's not our preaching Christ; it's Christ whom we preach.

First, "their eyes were opened." They could see. The blindness was gone. They saw the glory of the Son, who healed them. They were made whole - forgiven and obedient!

What a wonder this is that sinners such as us should be adopted into God's family. We go from enemies to sons… from children of wrath to saints… in a moment of time, when Christ heals us.

He paid for this mercy with his blood. God doesn't just pardon. He punishes Christ for the sins of transgressors, so that we can return to God. He pays the penalty to give us grace. Marvel at substitution, and God's generosity. Receive your healing!

Secondly, "Jesus sternly warned them, 'See that no man knows this." He was Human, and acquainted with grief. He didn't want to overwork himself. He had other regions to preach to, and he needed rest. Many would come to him for healing, caring nothing for their souls, and he'd heal unto exhaustion.

Let us learn that WHATEVER JESUS SAYS is best for the kingdom, best for God's glory, and best for us. No matter how good our intentions, they are bad and disobedient, if contrary to God's word. We must give up our thoughts and illusions, and readily submit to the Savior. His wisdom is better, and his love is higher. Do everything that he says, no matter who says differently. Follow him.

Thirdly, "But they went out and spread the news." This is sin. They are preaching Christ sinfully. They are loving him, and sinning at the same time. This is us.

All of our righteousness is filthy rags. Nothing that we do, not even our best work, is sinless perfection. Therefore, never trust in it! Never look upon yourself as better than others, because at our best, we'd be rejected. Look upon Christ, the object of your sermon, as fitting all worship, glory, and honor. Look upon him as receiving the praises. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.

We must stop comparing ourselves with others. Look to the perfect standard, then hide afresh in the blood of Christ. Hide in his wounds, and receive your sonship, full acceptance, and favor. Realize that grace makes you stand, but not tall enough to be worshipped, which is what we seek. Marvel that your imperfections, however, don't ruin you, rather than praising yourself for good deeds.

Our good is accepted by faith in Christ, but not by merit. Our new man is good, but the old man is always with us: in every tear filled prayer, he's there… in every good deed, he's lurking. If we laid down our life, there'd be enough sin in our greatest act of devotion to banish us from the kingdom. We're accepted because of Christ. Our works are accepted, because they are not done for acceptance or glory.