In Matthew 9, Jesus has just brought a young girl back from death and healed a woman of a twelve-year hemorrhage. The crowds are buzzing. People are following him everywhere; they are hungry for the teaching and the healing that comes when he is around. At this point, we learn how Jesus is approached by two blind men. While the story certainly focuses on Jesus’ compassion, their healing, and most importantly their faith, I wonder about the opening statement: “…two blind men followed him, crying loudly, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”
Followed him? They were both blind, so how was that working? Did they have a guide? Were they listening to the noise of the crowd? Were they only partially blind? The text gives us no clues as to the details, but my questions prompt me to ask more:
Have mercy on ME, Son of David! Have compassion on me. Heal me, make me whole, and let me see you with clear eyes.
Wondering and growing with you,
Pastor Beth
Matthew 9 – 27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” 28 When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, “See that no one knows of this.” 31 But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district. (NRSV)
Followed him? They were both blind, so how was that working? Did they have a guide? Were they listening to the noise of the crowd? Were they only partially blind? The text gives us no clues as to the details, but my questions prompt me to ask more:
- When I follow Jesus, how does that work? Surely I use the Bible as a kind of guide toward healthy and holy living, but am I developing relationships with people who point me in the right direction? I want to be careful that my trust in others moves me forward. Otherwise, I might just step off a spiritual cliff.
- How often do I listen to the noise of the crowd? If I’m trying to focus my faith and seek the healing that can only come from Jesus, I need to be mindful of the voices around me. Great idea when those voices are offered in peace and compassion. Not so great if I’m confused by the voices of the Pharisees in the background. I find it easy to get sucked into the drone of chaos when I’m not plugged into encouraging companions. On the other hand, when I am encircled by solid Christian expression, my personal commotion begins to fade into order and insight.
- Am I partially blind when it comes to searching for Truth? In this climate of misinformation, taking care to understand truth is imperative. Not only about COVID-19, but also about Jesus. I receive so much communication in a day that reality can get muddied quickly. I have to be so on-top of my knowledge and so in-tune to my faith journey that I don’t miss seeing Truth.
Have mercy on ME, Son of David! Have compassion on me. Heal me, make me whole, and let me see you with clear eyes.
Wondering and growing with you,
Pastor Beth
Matthew 9 – 27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” 28 When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, “See that no one knows of this.” 31 But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district. (NRSV)
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