Blind Beggars

Throughout the school year I have reminded my students to put themselves in the character's shoes (I know this is teacher language but bear with me...there's a point...) Not only does it increase comprehension but it also allows for the story to come to life in a more personal way. Yesterday I read a passage in Scripture that really came to life for me...

Matthew 20: 29-34 "Two Blind Men Receive Sight"

As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 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!” The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

I can vividly imagine this scene. Jesus is walking along the road, a huge, loud, crowd following him. The crowd was probably speaking Jesus' Name or talking about Him in some way as they passed the blind beggars. These men, not seeing, must have heard Jesus' Name. At the sound of His Name they must've known. They must've known and heard before of the miraculous healings Jesus was performing. They must've known that He was someone who would never be forgotten, someone who was matchless in power and love. They must've known He would have compassion on them when no one else had stopped for them before. They knew. They had a faith and trust in something they could not see, but they knew He was who He said He was. These men did not know Jesus from Adam yet they instantly believed when they heard. They instantly trusted and put their faith in His healing power. Instantly. They began to shout, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" and when the crowd REBUKED them they shouted ALL THE LOUDER. They knew, trusted, believed without ever seeing a thing. And then the Lord answered them with compassion. He gave them their sight and instantly followed him.

He gave them their sight and I just have to wonder - what was it like when they looked at Jesus for the first time? Their first time seeing. I can only imagine the compassion, love, and acceptance in Jesus' eyes. I wonder if they were star-struck? I wonder if they started to weep? I wonder if they shouted for joy? I wonder if they fell on their face? The Scriptures don't explain what happens after they received their sight, it just says they saw and followed Him. They knew this was a man they did not want to lose sight of. Instantly.

Father God. Thank you for the example of faith, trust, and belief that these blind men showed. I ask for an increase in this type of faith, this type of trust, and this type of belief. Thank you that your eyes are full of compassion and mercy for your people. In You I trust. Thank you for loving me with a love that is steadfast and unwavering. 

Amen.