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Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
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The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
- P42
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Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.
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"Lord," they answered, "we want our sight."
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Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. - P435
Two blind men hear a large crowd following Jesus and His disciples as they leave the city of Jericho. The blind men have clearly heard of what Jesus can do because they shout above the noise to ask for His mercy. The people tell them to be quiet, but instead of cowering in fear or shame and giving in to the crowd’s demands, the men shout even louder, determined to obtain Jesus’ mercy. This is a picture of how we can respond when others or our circumstances try to silence our cries to Jesus. - P44
Instead of being afraid of what the world may think, we can cry out with greater faith, confident that He can do miracles in our lives. - P44
Jesus stops and asks the blind men what they would like Him to do forthem. They ask for their sight and, having compassion on them, Jesustouches their eyes and they immediately receive their sight. Having receivedwhat they desired, the two men could have gone away or at least ran hometo tell their families. However, they decide to follow Jesus as He continuesin His ministry. - P44
Sometimes we present our requests to God, then neglectHim as soon as we get what we want. However, we show that we are trulyHis children when we go to our good Father in expectant faith, receive fromHim, then respond relationally by continuing to follow Him with praiseand thanksgiving. - P44
"We often cannot see God‘s hidden purposes. Yet we can determine to be faithful andkeep walking toward the Lord in the darkness." - Nancy Guthrie - P44
They were notregarded as elite members of society; the large crowd had no hesitation inscolding them to be quiet. Yet, the men spoke boldly, overcoming socialstigma and opposition in their pursuit of Christ, and full of hope and faiththat He could change their lives.
The determination of these men challenges me to reconsider my responsewhen I am in a crowd. What am I really afraid of? What is the worst thatcould happen if I stepped out more boldly, especially in situations where Iam the only Christian? More importantly, what is the best thing that couldhappen? I often focus on the worst-case scenario, but what could God do ifI stepped out in zealous faith for the best-case scenario? If nothing happens,
then that is fine, but like the two blind men who were expectant for amiracle, I might have the chance to see God powerfully changing lives. AllI need to do is focus on Him and what He can more than on my fearsand worldly concerns.
do - P45
Heavenly Father, I worship You for Your compassion and love. Thank You that You care about me and hear my requests. As I seek You daily, may I grow in greater faith and boldness, unafraid of how others see me and more concerned with my relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P45
Despite howchallenging it may be to follow Jesus, the end far outweighs the difficultiesthis life may bring. However, Jesus also reminds the disciples that the firstwill be last and the last will be first. They should not be focused on whatbenefits they will receive but remain humble as they follow Jesus andfaithfully serve Him and His people. - P32
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