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Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”

Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”

So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

They said to Him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.” So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him. Matthew 20:29-33

Two men sitting by the road. Men, who were outcasts and looked down on by society, called out to Jesus. They called out and they were shushed.

“Be quiet!” “He doesn’t have time for you.” “Why would Jesus bother?” “Know your place.” “Leave us alone.”

But Jesus…

Despite what was “right” in the eyes of His “followers”, Jesus stood still. He gave them His attention and called to them.

Jesus called to the men. Men who were ignored and pushed aside by those more fortunate than they. “What do you want Me to do for you?” He asked tenderly. “How can I help?”

“Lord, we want to see… Not just with our eyes, but with our hearts, our minds and our souls. Lord, heal us. Please.”

And Jesus did. Why?

Not because they deserved it. Not because they had social standing. Jesus didn’t give because they had anything to offer in return. Jesus gave because He had compassion.

Jesus responded to their request because of His loving kindness; because He desired to take away their suffering and misfortune.

And how did these once-blind men respond? They followed Jesus.

There are such a rich lessons in these few verses. These verses teach us 1) how great the love of Jesus is; and 2) what we are to do with the gifts of answered prayer.

These men didn’t thank Jesus and then go their way. They didn’t use this new gift of sight to “better” their earthly lives. No, instead they used their sight to follow Him. They turned around and gave the gift back to Him. With their opened eyes they were able to see Him welcoming them, with open arms, into His Father’s kingdom.

And these once-blind men gladly stepped right in.

Lord in heaven, thank You for every gift You have given me. Please allow me to see them clearly. Show me how I have used these gift for my own earthly comfort and glory. Help me to be like these once-blind men and give my gifts back to You. Show me how to use these gifts for Your kingdom. In the name of Your Son I pray. Amen.

Friends, we are given so much and yet we take advantage of what we have been given. Don’t we? How has the Lord blessed you? Are you using these gifts for His glory or your comfort?

Only by grace,

Kelli