Matthew 20:29-34

Matthew 20:29-34 NIV

As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 
Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
“Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”
Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

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Jericho was the first city to be conquered by Joshua and the Israelites as they took possession of the promised land, which God had promised to Abraham and his descendants forever. You may remember that the Israelites marched around the city walls for seven straight days. On the last day they shouted and blasted trumpets and the walls of Jericho fell.

In today's story there is a different kind of conquest occurring. The enemy is not Canaanites, but blindness. Two blind men call out to Jesus. I think, in Matthew's typical fashion, the two men represent the spiritual blindness of both the Jews and the Gentiles. They are unable to recognize the visitation of God in the person of Jesus. And the weapons for overcoming the enemy are not shouts, trumpets and swords, but the compassion of Christ.

The men call out to Jesus addressing him as the Son of David, a messianic title. They had hope that Jesus was God's promise fulfilled to raise up a righteous king to save Israel from their enemies. Hope is the key to faith and seeing with spiritual eyes.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:1, 6 NIV

These two blind men sought Jesus with hope and faith that they might see. The crowd stood in their way, but they didn't let that stop them. They cried out all the more. Perseverance in our hope is key to gaining the healing and holiness that comes through faith. How often do I give up on prayer when things get difficult. How easily do you fold when obstacles stand in your way? Learn from these men and their example. Persevere in hope. Never give up and never give in to the temptation to despair.

When Jesus stood before them, He asked, "What do you want me to do for you?" The answered very clearly, "Lord, we want to see." When seeking the Lord's help, be specific about what you want Him to do for you. Continue to pray with confidence in His compassion for you. He will give you the aid you need.

It's important to note that what we ask for must be in harmony with God's purpose to bring the reign of His love upon the earth. What I need and what I want are not always the same. Christ will always give what is needed. So if that raise doesn't come that your praying for, or if your infirmity isn't healed, keep watching for what the Lord is giving you. Sometimes suffering with an infirmity is a path to spiritual growth. The Israelites suffered much in the wilderness Breyer reaching the promised land. The journey forged them into a people ready to take possession of the land. Above all, we need to grow in our sight, knowing Jesus more and more.

As Jesus and His disciples make their way to Jerusalem the children and the people will greet Him with Hosanna. But it won't last. The same crowd will later turn on Him and shout "Crucify Him!" They sadly will not see that the kingdom of love is upon them. How often do we miss seeing the moment of God's visitation in our lives, even when we join others in worship?

May the Lord have compassion and open our eyes that we may see and follow.