Exodus 12:14-13:16 / Matthew 20:29-21:22 / Psalm 25:16-22 / Proverbs 6:12-15
Did anyone else notice this tiny exchange in today’s reading? There are two blind men who were sitting beside the road. They heard that Jesus was coming and began shouting for Jesus to have mercy on them. When the crowd yelled at them to be quiet, they “only shouted louder.”
Several observations: first, these men could not see but they had been listening, both to the reports of what Jesus was doing and to the fact that He was passing by. Based on what they had heard, their faith was emboldened enough that they shouted to be heard above the crowd. Second, why was the crowd yelling for them to be quiet? Were they selfishly vying for Jesus’ attention, not wanting the blind men to be noticed? Were they doubtful that Jesus would or could heal the men? I’m not sure, but I wonder why the crowd didn’t rally around these two men. And third, they were not going to be quieted!
The two blind men shouted LOUDER!
If you have a need and you’re not heard the first time, do you get sullen and quiet or do you continue to speak up until you’re heard?
This reminds me of a scripture that would inform what our response ought to be when we have a need.
Matthew 7:7-8
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
As a matter of fact, when you study this scripture, the verbs suggest that one must keep on asking, keep on seeking and keep on knocking until the answer comes.
So, I’m glad these two blind men shouted louder so they could be heard by Jesus and receive healing.
What about you? What do you need today? I encourage you to keep asking, seeking, and knocking until you have received!
