Now Matthew says – two blind men followed him.
So far Matthew has introduced us to many people for whom Jesus seems to be the last option. What about Jesus is so attractive to us when we are desperate, down and out?
Each in our own way knows the answer...
Imagine the determination required for these two blind buddies to follow along after Jesus. Somehow they kept up with Him and finally came into the house where He was.
Forgive me for the obvious – None of us has 20/20 vision when it comes to following Jesus either. We grope along, run into things, rely on our buddies, and ask for a lot of directions.
We forge on, because in the end, Jesus is our last option too! And just like the blind men, we sometimes cry out - Have mercy on us, Son of David!
And who is the first person they see when they receive the gift of 20/20 vision?
A day like that is coming for everyone who follows after this Teacher!
Appreciate so much the emphasis on The Man from Galilee; He is the First and the Last and without Him we can do nothing of value or eternal significance. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHow do you feel when you are falsley accused?
ReplyDeleteMaybe more importantly, how do you react when you are falsly accused? When people slander you, question your intent and motives, make false statements and flat out call you evil – is not the natural reaction self defense?
After Jesus heals the two blind men and the crouds express amazement, “… the Pharisees said, ‘It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.’” (Mat 9:34) They question his very nature, and falsley accuse, attributing his power to evil rather than God. So how does the teacher react?
He goes about all their towns and villages teaching, preaching, and healing.
Later on, in Matt 12, he defends himself against the Pharisees and similar false accusations with words of great wisdom: “Every Kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” (Mt 12:25ff)
But back in Chapter 9, rather than defend himself verbally, he defends himself with his actions. He shows them compassion. He serves them.
How do we react when falsely accused? Do we defend withour words, or with our lives? Would it benefit us to wait a while, and let people see by our actions how we really are before we verbally defend ourselves? Probably so, as that is the reaction of the Teacher.
“Live such good lives among the pagansthat, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” 1 Pet 2:12