Michelle Bauer ~ Desperate for Mercy: Shouting All the More
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!” Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. – Luke 18:35-43
Have you ever felt like you had to yell to get God’s attention? Take a moment to imagine yourself as the man trying to get Jesus’ attention. What might motivate you?
The man begs Jesus to have mercy on him. What about the man’s request do you think catches Jesus’ attention? Jesus was trained in the Scriptures and knew what Micah 6:6-8 teaches about mercy. How did Jesus’ response to this man demonstrate what it looks like to love mercy?
It is a challenge to be seeing impaired in any time and culture. But what do you think life was like for a blind person 2,000 years ago? In what ways might he have suffered? In what ways are you suffering right now? God invites you to talk to him as honestly as you can about your pain.
Everyone in this story seems to be annoyed with this man, except Jesus. What do you think made Jesus stop and talk with him? Take a moment and picture Jesus stopping to talk with you about your need.
“What do you want me to do for you?” What do you think about Jesus’ question to the man, whose need seems so obvious? Today, what would you like Jesus to do for you? How does it feel to ask him? Take a moment and listen for a response.
What would it be like to be instantly healed in your area of greatest suffering? What is it like to wait to be healed in this area? How is God showing mercy to you as you wait?