Matthew – God’s Purposes
The closing event of Matthew 20 is the healing of Bartimaeus and his friend, both of whom were blind(see Mark 10:46–52). Here Jesus put into practice what He had just taught the disciples. He became a servant to two rejected blind beggars.
The crowds around Jesus tried to silence the two men. After all, what claim did they have on the great Teacher? But Jesus had compassion on them and healed them. He was the servant even of beggars.
This chapter contains some hard things for us to receive and practice. If we love the things of this world, we cannot love God supremely. If we are not yielded completely to His will, we cannot obey Him unreservedly. If we seek glory for ourselves, or if we compare ourselves with other believers, then we cannot glorify Him. We cannot acknowledge Jesus as our King unless we love Him supremely, obey Him unreservedly, and glorify Him completely. But if we do these things, we will share in His life and joy, and one day live with Him!
Matthew 20, NLT
Jesus Heals Two Blind Men
29 As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. 30 Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”31 “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them.
But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
32 When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, “What do you want me to do for you?”
33 “Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” 34 Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him.
THOUGHTS FOR REFLECTION
To call on Jesus is to acknowledge who Jesus is. The blind men called out, “Lord, Son of David…” This got Jesus’ attention.How do we get Jesus attention? Do we first believe and acknowledge that HE is Lord, Messiah come to save and redeem us? Do we know that He knows our need before we ask but we need to ask to show we know He will answer when we call out to Him?
Are we like Jesus who stops in the middle of the mission to help someone else who is crying out for help? Isn’t this the mission?
Oh Lord,
Stop us in the middle of the journey with You to acknowledge those who need you, are crying for you and need a little help to find you. Help us always to point the way to You. Keep us always alert to opportunities to serve while ignoring the urge for praise. May our serving be as much a part of our lives as breathing…what we do without thinking about it. We want to see You!
In Jesus Name, Amen
