The gospel of Matthew relates an event in which Jesus is traveling from Jericho on His way to Jerusalem. As Jesus walked a great multitude followed Him. Along the way they encountered two blind men that were sitting by the roadside. In that time and place, these two men likely occupied that same spot day after day, asking alms of travelers. This day would be unlike any other day in their lives.
The text of Matthew in chapter 20 verse 30 states that these two blind men heard that Jesus was passing by. They didn’t need to be told a crowd was passing by because they would have known that from all the noise. What is significant in verse 30 is they “heard Jesus was passing by.” This means the crowd surrounding Jesus was abuzz with His name. Upon hearing the name of Jesus the two blind men immediately shouted out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David.”
This is significant for a number of reasons. One, by addressing Jesus as Lord, they were recognizing His power. Lord is Adonai, God Almighty. They knew that Jesus could heal them of their blindness. Next they called Jesus “Son of David,” which signifies their belief that Jesus was the long-awaited messiah of Israel. In making this profession the two blind men were saying they believed Jesus would want to heal them.
Taken together, the faith of the two blind men was noteworthy, especially given the tepid attitude of the multitude following Jesus who told the two blind men to “shut up.” But this did not stop the two blind men from seizing their moment and they cried out even louder, so as to be heard over the chatter of the multitude. “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David.”
Can you imagine the expectation of these two men when as it says in verse 32, “Jesus stopped.” The noise of shuffling feet, of numerous conversations, of laughter, of scorn toward them, all ceased in a moment because Jesus stopped. And then in the midst of the silence, while every eye looked first upon Jesus and then at the objects of His attention – the two blind men, Jesus spoke these words, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Can you understand how the hearts of these men must have been beating with anxious anticipation? Jesus had just asked them what they wanted Him to do for them. Without hesitation they responded in unison, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” Verse 34 says, “And moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.”
Friends, this is one event among thousands, where Jesus demonstrated His compassion and loving care for men and women. There is one thing that every person needs in this life, and that is to have their eyes opened to see Jesus for who He is. Do you know Him as Savior and Lord? Today can be the day of your salvation. Wherever you are stop and pray to God and ask Him to forgive you of your sin and to accept you as His child by faith. Then live the life of a disciple by following Jesus.
For more information about how you can become a Christian through faith in Jesus Christ, write me at the following email address – pastormike@cclohio.org – God bless you today as you seek Him.
Image – Charissa’s Grace Notes