Wednesday 10 October 2007
- Bible Book:
- Matthew
"There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, the shouted, 'Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David"'. (v.30)
Background
Jesus is travelling from Jericho towards Jerusalem. When he getsthere, as is described in the following chapter of Matthew'sGospel, Jesus will be greeted by enthusiastic crowds who describehim as the 'Son of David'. This story of two blind men being curedtherefore prepares us for what is to follow.
('Son of David' was a traditional Jewish way of talking about the'Messiah' or 'Saviour' whom they believed would be sent by God torestore their fortunes in the face of their enemies and oppressors- at that time the occupying forces of the Roman Empire. TheMessiah was also expected to restore all God's people to truefaithfulness.)
But the story of the blind men also serves as a commentary on whatgoes immediately before, because Matthew has told us (
Thus it is left to two blind men, ironically to 'see' the truthabout Jesus - that he is the 'Son of David'.
Except that, we are invited to understand, even they didn't see thewhole picture. Because Jesus was not quite the kind of Messiah mostpeople imagined. Rather than being a military hero who would raiseup an army to drive out the Romans, Jesus was engaged in an evenbigger 'battle', the one against all the deep-rooted forces of eviland death that hold the world and its people in oppression, povertyand despair. And Jesus' 'weapon' would be the giving of hislife.
Only when God in Jesus touches the 'eyes' of our understanding arewe able to 'see' the full truth and to follow.
To Ponder
Who do you identify with most in this story? Adisciple, struggling to understand? One of the blind men, withimmediate needs to be dealt with? Someone in the crowd, embarrassedby the way some people approach God? Or Jesus, wanting to puteverything right, but aware of the great personal cost?
What words would you use to describe who Jesus isfor you?