As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. There were two blind men sitting by the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” The crowd told them to keep quiet, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!”

Jesus stopped, called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

“Lord,” they said to Him, “open our eyes!” Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they could see, and they followed Him.

Our blindness and faith moves God with compassion.

In Matthew 20, two men who could not see knew Jesus was traveling on the road near them. They believed in His power and His message, and cried out in faith and desperation for the Healer. They called out to the Son of David, their Messiah and King, for His mercy.

Again and again they shouted out, unable to navigate the crowds, seated by the dusty road. For two voices, they made quite the racket, determined to be heard by Jesus. Despite the enormity of the crowd and those around them telling them to be quiet, Jesus stopped in the middle of it all and replied.

The two men were brought to Jesus, and Jesus asked them what they wanted.

In faith, they asked with all their hopes, dreams, fears and hearts for the Lord to open their eyes.

Jesus saw their blindness and their belief, and was moved with compassion. He reached out with his hands and touched them where they needed healing. And in that personal connection, their restoration was immediate and complete.

The two men who could now see, stood eye to eye with their Savior. Not wanting to break that wonderfully precious gaze, they followed Him without hesitation or looking back.

There are times in our own lives when understanding doesn’t come. Hurt runs deep and wounds lay raw. Darkness clouds our judgment. Hope fades from our sight. We are left sitting by the road as the rest of the world seems to pass by.

It is then that Jesus steps onto our street. He is not merely traveling through. He is coming for us.

Call out to Him! Shout out, cry aloud for His mercy! Don’t stop!! Ignore those around you who tell you to give up. Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us!!!

He will stop. He will call for us. Go to Him! Lay your hurts before Him. Answer His question honestly, believing in faith that He came this way for you.

Let his hands encompass your heart. God is moved with compassion for you and will open your eyes.

And when He heals, follow Him. Keep your restored vision fixed firmly on His wonderful face.

For our God is compassionate, full of mercy and loving kindness.

O how He loves you and me!