Thoughts for the Day

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith let it be done to you.’ And their eyes were opened.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Can you remember a time when the electricity supply in your area cut out and you were left in the dark? It may have been OK if you had a smart phone to hand and could turn on its light, but otherwise you had to try to find a torch, or matches and a candle. You also had to hope you could move around your house and not fall over things - particularly if you had children or animals!

So now imagine these two blind men in our reading. Matthew says that they were following Jesus! They would have been able to hear the crowds that had gathered, but how did they avoid the rutted streets, the stalls selling food, and stray animals, never mind all the people? Thinking of the terrain there today it seems impossible, never mind what it might have been like 2,000 years ago. This must have taken real determination, even with some help.

Their desire to get to Jesus is so great that they make a huge commotion, and they use the phrase "Son of David", the term used at the time for the Christ, that is the Messiah who would come to save God's people. Their faith is so strong that they even push their way into the house where Jesus has gone. Nothing else could be done to prove their faith, they had done everything they could. But our Lord tests them one last time. They must declare their faith in his power to heal them - and in doing so they are healed!

When we follow Jesus and ask for His help, are we determined enough to overcome the difficulties of getting to Him? If He said "According to your faith, let it be done", would it be done for us?

Lord Jesus Christ,
we have faith in You,
but sometimes our faith wavers
in the face of everyday difficulties.
When we feel down may our pleas
for help be even stronger.
Give us the courage to keep on asking
and keep on striving to get closer to You.
May we be strong this day
lest You put us to the test.
Amen.