29 As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. 30 And two people who were blind, sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31 But the crowd sternly warned them to be quiet; yet they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 32 And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 33 They *said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” 34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.

Matthew 20:29-34 (NASB)

Backdrop

The group was on their way to Jerusalem. Jesus’ time of crucifixion was looming. He has just taught the disciples what true leadership is – servant leadership. Now they are leaving Jericho. As expected, there is a large crowd following them. Some may have been local to Jericho. Others may have been from the Galilee area like Nazareth or Capernaum and other areas around lake Galilee.

Desperate cry

These two blind folks hear Jesus is passing by so they cry out for help. Jesus, the miracle worker healer is walking by. What a blessed, once in a lifetime, opportunity to be healed and to gain their sight! There is no way they will pass this up. How would you respond? You’d do the same thing, anything, to get Jesus’ attention and a chance to be healed. You’d seek it like a treasure. 

When the crowds rebuked them (ESV) they didn’t care, they just yelled louder and were probably happy for the attention – knowing it would catch Jesus’ attention.

Interruption

We’ve seen this many times before in His ministry. Jesus is interrupted. But in every such situation, He accommodates the need without a complaint. He has full faith that the Father has ordained all these “interruptions” so He sees them as part of the work the Father called Him to do. He stops, literally, and addresses them.

How can I help?

How can I help? “This is a wonderful, simple question God has not stopped asking. Sometimes we go without when God would want to give us something simply because we will not answer this question, and we do not have because we do not ask (James 4:2).” (enduringword.com) 

And their answer? We want to see! So Jesus healed them immediately! And the better news is, they began to follow Him. That’s the end goal of every miracle. 

Of course there is a spiritual parallel. All mankind are blind to their sin and the hope of salvation in Christ alone. But how many know they are blind? Jesus will, of course, take time to respond to their (our, your) request!

Moved with compassion

But what strikes me most is Jesus’ compassion – as Matthew states so clearly. He had compassion on them and healed them. So He has compassion on any who humbly come to Him and cry out for help.

RЯeflection

• Do we allow ourselves to be interrupted? Are we willing to show compassion to others and follow the pattern of our Lord? This includes even the small interruptions in life – like helping someone trim their nails!
• Is there a need in your life that you haven’t brought to the Lord yet? He’s waiting. Maybe you are too busy or don’t think He can be bothered with your needs (which is a lie from the enemy). If there is unconfessed sin, then you need to deal with that. If you are not a follower yet, click here.