Matthew 20:32-34

When Jesus heard [the blind men], 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.

Jesus had just informed his disciples that he was on the way to Jerusalem, where he would be handed over to the Romans to be crucified. You would understand if he became preoccupied with these great matters and avoided any distractions. But, as he and his disciples passed through Jericho on their way to Jerusalem, they heard two blind men crying out for attention. Most people would have hurried by, but not Jesus. He stopped and gave them his full attention. This reminds us of how Jesus had time for the little children, even though the disciples assumed that he wouldn’t want to be bothered by them.

It’s easy to get so busy that we leave no time to stop and see the needs around us. We are so preoccupied with our own agenda that we have no space for the needs of the lonely, sick, sad and poor. Perhaps we all need to build moments into our days when we deliberately stop our busyness and listen to the voices of those around us.

Busy as he was, Jesus didn’t enforce his own solution on the blind men. It was obvious to everyone that they needed to be given their sight, but Jesus showed them respect by assuming nothing and asking what they wanted. When they declared their desire to see, Jesus duly healed them. We, too, have many needs. We need peace, forgiveness and salvation, but the Lord will never impose those blessings on us. He asks us today: “What do you want me to do for you?” If you would like to stay the way you are, that’s what will happen. But if you call out to him for his gifts of peace, forgiveness and salvation, you can be sure that you will receive them.

Question

What do you want Jesus to do for you today?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, open my eyes to the needs of the people around me. Help me to be willing to stop and listen to them. Amen