We Want to See, Lord!

Again, we are on the road with Jesus and a large group of people. We are near Jericho this time. Two blind men sit along the side of the road and beg. These two men depend on what people give them for their livelihood. They catch on that Jesus is approaching, and they call out to Him.

It’s special to see how they call out to Jesus. Not by his name, 'Jesus'. Not as master or teacher ('Rabbi'). Instead, they call out “Son of David”. What have these men already heard about Jesus? What stories had they heard about what Jesus taught or all the miracles He performed? Did they hear about Him from others? And when did they come to the conclusion that this must be the Messiah, the Son of David? Because that's how they address Him. And they don't allow themselves to be silenced. They cry out until Jesus stops and allows these men to come to Him.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asks them (vs. 32, NLT). You would think that would be obvious! They are blind. Of course, they want to see. But when they called Jesus, they didn't ask, "Heal us." They cried, "Have mercy on us." It seems as if Jesus is inviting them to ask Him even more specifically what they desire. What do they need, what do they ask of Him?

And the moment they express that need and say to Jesus “Lord, we want to see!”, Jesus feels splagchnizomai and He instantly heals them of their blindness. Then they follow Jesus.

It’s wonderful to read in this story that Jesus invites the men to really express their need and desire to Him. It's as if He were saying, "Make it precise. Tell me.” How often do we think that Jesus knows what we need, but we don’t voice it in our prayers. Or we are not very specific. Of course, He knows what we deeply desire and need better than we sometimes know ourselves. And yet, He invites us to tell Him and ask Him for it.

Time to reflect.

Do you dare to be honest and precise with Jesus about your desires? Do you believe He looks at you with love and compassion? And that Jesus, like no other, knows the desires of your heart, and can fulfill them?