November 25, 2018: SOAP #3179:  Matthew 20-22

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 20:30 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 32 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 33 “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” 34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Observation:  They were blind, but, thankfully, they were not deaf!   They “heard” that Jesus was going by.  They must have previously “heard” how Jesus had healed others.  So, they began shouting to get Jesus’ attention.  But what they heard next was the crowd who “told them to be quiet.”  They were blind, but they were not stupid!  Here was the opportunity of their lifetime!  They refused to let this opportunity pass them by!  They cried all the louder, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us!”  And the next thing they heard was the voice of Jesus, “What do you want me to do for you?”

They heard words of relief; they had finally gotten His attention.  They heard words of compassion; He was interested in their problem.  They heard words of hope; He would meet their need!

Application:  In the book of Revelation we read again and again, “Let him that hath ears hear what the Spirit is saying.”  No problem can defeat me if I hear and obey what God says to me.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, thank you for the ability to hear—most of all to be able to hear you speak to my spirit.  Lord, I do not want to let any crowd keep me from hearing you. Help me to quickly recognize your voice! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!