Shout Louder

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. Matthew 20:29-33

I'm not sure as Christians we are loud enough. Maybe it's not that we aren't loud enough, but maybe it's that we aren't desperate enough, we aren't in such complete need of HIM and HIS touch that we don't care what others think - what others say. When these two blind men heard that Jesus, the Son of David, the one who heals, was passing by them - they starting yelling. They didn't ask for money, they didn't ask for fame, they didn't ask for power, nothing but MERCY. They cried for MERCY! They cried for compassion, for pardon, for release, for forgiveness, tenderness, and grace. They knew what they needed, and they cried out for it. When the crowd told them to be quiet - THEY GOT LOUDER! These two blind men knew this was their one chance with Jesus - and they weren't going to be shushed by anyone. Be loud friend, be desperate, don't let anyone stand in your way with an encounter with Jesus.

When Jesus heard them - HE STOPPED, and HE RESPONDED. I imagine that he turned towards them when He asked them what they wanted. He listens friend, He listens and He responds. He asked them what they wanted - our God is in the details, and wants details - be specific with Him - He will be specific with you. He knew their need, He knew what they wanted - but He needed to hear it from them - He needs to hear from us too.

When the blind men told Jesus "We want to see!" - JESUS TOUCHED THEM. Back during that time if you were struck with an illness or born with a deformity like blindness, it was a very lonely life, begging for food and money. I can't imagine many people touched them, more people probably walked around them, ignored them even. Jesus didn't hesitate, He touched them - and He healed them! Just a touch from the Great Physician and they were healed. There is nothing about you that is untouchable by the hand of God. No matter who has walked around you, who has ignored you, or even looked down at you - JESUS DOESN'T DO THAT! He is not afraid to touch you, remember He created you - He loves His creation!

The bible says immediately they could see! IMMEDIATELY they were healed. They cried out for mercy, Jesus heard their cry, they asked to be healed, He healed them - and the bible says THEY FOLLOWED HIM. They followed Him. That's all the bible says about them - but I know the story doesn't end there. I can only imagine the testimony they shared with others, as they followed Jesus. The bible doesn't say they became perfect, or all their troubles and worries disappeared, or even their financial status changed - it just says "they followed Him".

Their day began as two blind beggars, and ended as two followers of Jesus who not only got their physical sight, but their spiritual sight opened as well. This all happened because Jesus passed by - and they got LOUD - they got desperate - they told Him their need - and HE ANSWERED!

Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!