As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18:35-39)
My mom was close to blind when she died. Her home was familiar, and she rarely complained, and my oldest sister was her caregiver. So, often I didn’t think about her difficulty. My oldest sister cared for her. She couldn’t drive, so it took away her independence, her cupboards were dirty because she couldn’t see the dirt, and she missed the beauty of creation. But she always saw the beauty and hope of Jesus.
Unlike those leading the way, the blind man understood Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of David. He couldn’t see the beauty in a sunrise or sunset, but he saw the beauty and hope of Jesus. He knew Jesus’ purpose was to heal everyone’s blindness to the mercy of God, so he was persistent in his faith.
How often do we have compassion for beggars and the blind. We try to pretend they don’t exist by looking in another direction, or worse yet, when they knock on our windows, we wave them off. Jesus is their only hope. If we don’t help them, Jesus will find another to do His work when the beggar has persistent faith.
Father God, let me be aware you’re always with me. Guide me to have compassion for those less fortunate and build faith as one dependent on You. Help me be persistent in showing others Your love and mercy. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
The last 2 months of Mom’s life was pretty much confined to her apartment and it was easy for her to get around there. I am sure things looked pretty blurry to her. I asked her about her sight at the time she was still doing some quilting. She told me that she could tell where to put the stitches because the needle was shiny and she could still see that. So, I wonder about the blind beggar. He was by the road. Did he live there and was able to navigate because it was a familiar place? Did he ask for help getting around and receive it or was he ignored? When I see someone who is less fortunate and on the streets, I automatically assume they are alcoholics or drug addicts. I shouldn’t do that. I used to carry McDonald’s gift cards in my wallet. I could give something to someone less fortunate without the worry of money being spent on alcohol or drugs. I need to step up my game and do this again. I need to ask if Jesus is their light and hope.
Thanks for your inspiration. I need to step up my game too. When I give out McDonald’s gift cards, I write “Jesus loves you” on them. When I was in Ocala I used to write the phone number of a church that provided counseling from a Christian psychologist. I am excited to go back to that church next year.
What a great idea to put Jesus loves you on the card! I will do that too.
🙂