“As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’ ‘Be quiet!’ the crowd yelled at them. But they only shouted louder, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’ When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Lord,’ they said, ‘we want to see!’ Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him.” 20:29-34

Isn’t that just how it goes sometimes? You’re desperately overwhelmed by life’s circumstances, so you cry out to Jesus for help and the others shout “be quiet!”

Take a minute and think about who tries to silence you when you cry out to God.

What’s your response? These men were desperate, and also very faithful. They believed that if they could get Jesus’ attention, he could and would heal them. I love that Matthew notes that Jesus had compassion for them. He’s the best.

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I’m curious why the crowd barks back at these men pleading for Jesus to heal them. Sometimes I wonder if I’m creating the noise that drowns out other’s connection with God? Picking stupid fights with my husband. Keeping a schedule that’s too rushed for my family. Bombarding friends with my own opinions instead of just listening. Complaining. Complaining makes a lot of noise. It steals joy. It sizzles out peace. It creates a negative environment and excludes God’s voice from the dialogue.

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Who do you identify with in this story? Are you the crowd, pushing yourself to the front to be heard first, neglecting the needs of your peers?

Are you the blind men, desperately calling out for Jesus and not feeling heard? Call out to him again!

-Carly