And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.” And the multitude rebuked them, because they should be quiet: but they cried out louder, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, you are the Son of David. And Jesus stood still, and called them, and asked, “What do you want we to do unto you?” They said unto him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.” Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
Mat. 20:29-34
There’s much to admire in people who go against the grain, who stand against the crowd, who “shout it louder” when they’re told to “keep quiet over there.” The crowd wants these beggars to behave like respectable beggars: quiet, passive, unobtrusive. But these two would not be silenced.
If you are searching for faith, wondering about Jesus, thinking about commitment or have a need—don’t let the crowd keep you quiet. God will answer your prayers, and when that happens, shout for all you’re worth!
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. Of course, blind men want their sight. Or do they? Jesus frequently asked seemingly obvious questions. They invite a second look.
Stating The Obvious
Could the blind men have answered otherwise? “We just want a few coins please,” or “Please tell these people to be kinder to us.” Even obvious questions have a place. They help us clarify our thinking. They can transform general desires into specific requests. The blind men simply stated their greatest need. Jesus’ compassion was stirred by their great need.
Jesus healed numerous blind people. His actions underscored a role he expressed most clearly in John 9:39,
“I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.”
What is your response when faced with Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you?”? Will you ask him for the greatest desires of your heart. Ask largely of the Lord, He is the King; his resources are unlimited. Have you called out to God for mercy? If you have, don’t give up, keep on crying out, Jesus will answer. Amen.
