Friday – Luke 18: 35 – 42
As the days role by and the closer we get to Easter, Jesus ministry becomes more intense. As Jesus gets closer to Jerusalem the more the tension seems to arise around his ministry.
Today Jesus approached the city of Jericho. It was in this place that Jesus was met with shouts from a man seeking him. This blind man heard the crowd going by and asked another person what was happening. They told him it was Jesus. He then cried out, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stopped and walked over to the man. It was obvious to all of us in the crowd that the man was blind. His eyes were encrusted. It was at this time Jesus asked an interesting question. “What do you want from me?”
Why would Jesus ask such a question? Was it an unnecessary or silly question? Didn’t Jesus see his eyes? What else would he rather have Jesus do?
I find this interesting that Jesus would ask an open ended question. It implies to me that Jesus could do whatever the man asked him to do. At the same time, Jesus asking the blind man the question in a way Jesus puts some responsibility on the man for his own healing.
One last thing I notice is the Jesus models for us how we can minister to others as disciples. He first pays attention to people, he listens carefully, and then he heals. So as we encounter people we should give them our attention and listen carefully to their situation and needs. It is only at that point we can more forward in ministering to them. We can not assume we know what people need.
Questions for reflection and comment:
Disfigurement, blindness, abnormalities often threatens us. Do you feel uncomfortable when you see people who are afflicted in some way?
You and Jesus are walking down the street and you encounter a blind person. Jesus beings to share with you what he sees when he looks at that person or hears a persons request for help.
What does Jesus see in street people?
What does Jesus note about this person you encounter?
What does Jesus point out to you?
No comments:
Post a Comment