April 1, 2013
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 20:29-34
OBSERVATIONS
As I’ve been watching the “Bible TV Series”, it strikes me that there is so much more story behind the stories, so many details we don’t have. We get the bare facts, in this case Matthew’s memories of the event. How well did he know the blind men; since they followed Jesus, I am sure Matthew got to know them a little.
Imagine being blind – and no CNIB to support you – relying totally on the mercy of your family (if they were still alive), your community (if they cared), and the goodwill of strangers. Here we see the crowds hindering, not helping them.
Used to be ignored, they persevered, they shouted even louder, and Jesus heard them.
Not sure why Jesus asks them what they want Him to do, isn’t it obvious? Then again, maybe He wants them to articulate their request, to speak and be heard.
Jesus felt concern for them. This is an understatement, He loved them deeply. Taking this opportunity to demonstrate His God-power, He heals them. Imagine what it must have been like – blind, then seeing. The light probably hurt their eyes (unless he healed that too). I wonder how they responded? What would it be like to go from blindness to sight? Here we see them so thankful to Jesus, that they follow Him.
What do you notice in this passage?
APPLICATION
Jesus is with us, not physically but spiritually, by His Spirit. I am with Him every day, He is with me… what requests do I make of Him? He waits for me to name them specifically, to speak and be heard?
Every day Jesus asks me to articulate my requests, not just wordless fuzzy prayer but specific petitions, to say it out loud so I can hear it too. Why, maybe there is value in it, to speak and be heard.
Can I name think of specific prayer requests that I have ‘push’ed (p.u.s.h. = pray until something happens)? Or are my prayers wordless, fuzzy? What about specific answers to prayer?
How do I respond, do they prompt me to want to be with, and follow, jesus?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I am thinking of James’ words, “You don’t have what you want, because you don’t ask God.” (James 4:2) I hear You asking me to articulate my heart’s desire, “What do you want me to do for you?”