And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him. (Matthew 20:29-34 ESV)
Here is Jesus walking out of Jericho and there are 2 blind men on the side of the road, shouting, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” And the crowd tried to silence them,but they were determined to get what they wanted. They were determined to be seen by Jesus and to get their hearts desire.
And Jesus walks up to them, and knows they are blind, and asks “What do you want me to do for you?” Now wouldn’t you think Jesus would know they would want to see? They are blind, what else could they want, right?
But you see that is the point. We see them as blind men and think they need to have their sight, but maybe, just maybe there is something more they need. Something that is more important than being able to see. Can you imagine it? If I was blind, I’m sure I would want my sight, but what if I was starving and blind which would be the greater need? Sure if I could see I might be able to find food, or work, and feed myself. But in that moment when I have the chance to get food or sight which would I ask for. The point is that Jesus does not pretend to know what they want. As if He had to, He is God after all and knows our deepest darkest secrets… He still asks them what they want.
How many times do we see someone in need and by seeing them we know what will fix their problem? We have never spoken with them, we do not know their name let along their situation but we have judged them by what we see and we know what will fix them. Maybe we should take a hint from Jesus and get to know them, and ask them what they want. Not pretend we have all the answers. Not pretend to know what is best for someone else. I honestly have enough problems trying to figure out what is best for me so why do I want to say what is best for some one else.
So next time you see someone you think is in need, ask them what they want. It doesn’t mean you can get it for them or do it for them. It may not be the best thing for them, but rather than assuming you know, get to know them, and help them to see that God wants to know them, and help them through whatever it is they might be facing.
So what do they want?
aSacredRebel 