Slices
Prepare
Acknowledging our complete dependence on God, slowly pray these words: ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.’
Bible passage
Two blind men receive sight
29 As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’
31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’
32 Jesus stopped and called them. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ he asked.
33 ‘Lord,’ they answered, ‘we want our sight.’
34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Explore
Jesus asks another probing question in this story that asks us to face our deepest longings, our brokenness and our dreams: ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ (v 32). As I enter this new season of life, it was only by taking time away on retreat that my own answer to that question was revealed. Our lives are often so busy, filled with distractions and daily challenges, that it can be easy to miss what we need to flourish. Acknowledging my need before God brought a deep healing and a hope for what lies ahead.
We learn a great deal from these blind men. Sitting by the roadside, they cry for mercy, acknowledging their need and dependence on Jesus; they have faith that he can bring healing, and they are not going to miss this opportunity. We see their desperation, their refusal to be deterred by the angry crowd and their increasing persistence in catching Jesus’ attention. Jesus reaches out to them in compassion, responding to their deepest need. As they receive the gift of sight, I suspect the eyes of their hearts are also opened, and they respond by choosing to follow Jesus.
Respond
Jesus says: ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full’ (John 10:10). Jesus wants this for us, as he did also for the two blind men. What would you like to ask Jesus for today?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Jeremiah 21,22; Psalms 117,118
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for the SU Board as it meets today asking that God will give them a clear sense of the future he has for the mission of SU. Ask that they’ll get a clear sense of priorities and the faith and vision to step out into what he has prepared for the movement. (This week's prayers relate to this article.)
A child has started following Jesus. Help them keep growing.
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