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.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
In this passage we see needy people persistent in prayer, people who believe Jesus can help them, can cure them of their blindness. They are interrupting him and the crowd is not pleased but we see Jesus’ love and compassion at work as he stops and heals them. LORD, may we also be people of persistent prayer and may we never be too busy to help others, even when it is inconvenient, and miss the bigger picture of loving our neighbour. Father, we also note the proper response of the blind beggars, who, once healed of their affliction, immediately follow Jesus. Father, may we be among those who recognize the healing influence of Jesus in their lives and respond in faith with gratitude, love and service, striving to follow more closely in his footsteps every day.
In Christ’s name. AMEN.