Moved with Compassion
When Mercy Awakens Eyes and Hearts
SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 20:34 CSB - Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they could see, and they followed him.
OBSERVATION:
There are four action words in this verse that reveal the nature and character of Jesus: moved, compassion, touch, and immediately.
First, Jesus was moved, not just moved but moved with compassion. What caused this feeling?
Matthew 20:29-31 CSB - As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. There were two blind men sitting by the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David! " The crowd demanded that they keep quiet, but they cried out all the more, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!”
What made this any different from all the other times when people shouted Son of David? Many during this period saw Jesus as the political messiah, not the savior messiah. They saw the miracles, tasted the bread, and followed the crowds, expecting Jesus to overthrow the oppressive Roman rule. However, they did not understand His teachings.
Notice what it says about the blind men. They heard that Jesus was passing by. Hearing is the first step to seeing.
What did they do when they heard? They cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David.” This statement is the key to Jesus being moved with compassion. They were not looking for a political messiah, but a savior.
When the crowds tried to silence them, they cried out all the more, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!"
If you read ahead into chapter 21 of Matthew, you'll find a familiar story—the Triumphal Entry. They cried out, “Hosanna!” which means 'God save' or 'salvation has come.' The crowds missed it, the disciples missed it, but the blind heard it and cried out even louder!
Jesus, in response to the blind men’s cries—amid all the other noise and shouts of the day—heard these two men. Look at what verse 32 says.
Matthew 20:32 CSB - Jesus stopped, called them, and said, "What do you want me to do for you? "
Jesus stopped walking when He heard them. Why did He stop? He was moved with compassion. This was His purpose for coming to this earth: to open the eyes of the blind, to be the only way to the Father, and to be the salvation of the world—to show mercy to the undeserving.
Matthew 20:33 CSB - "Lord," they said to him, "open our eyes."
The answer the blind men gave is the answer we all need. Open our eyes!
APPLICATION:
It may be that today you have heard of Jesus but have not seen Him. You have heard of what He has done for others, but have not seen it in your life. If you are at that point, like the blind men, cry out to Jesus: Have mercy on me! Your eyes will be opened to the newness of life. Jesus is still moved with compassion today when we cry out for mercy.
For the rest of us, let us observe the actions of the two blind men. Just as four action words reveal the nature and character of Jesus, two words should be evident in us: immediately and followed.
When we hear His voice, respond immediately, don’t wait, delay, or stay in that darkness any longer. Allow Him to open your eyes so you can see clearly and follow Him right away.
PRAYER:
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. Open my eyes so I can see clearly. Open my eyes, Lord; I want to see Jesus!
Matthew 20:34 CSB - Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they could see, and they followed him.
OBSERVATION:
There are four action words in this verse that reveal the nature and character of Jesus: moved, compassion, touch, and immediately.
First, Jesus was moved, not just moved but moved with compassion. What caused this feeling?
Matthew 20:29-31 CSB - As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. There were two blind men sitting by the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David! " The crowd demanded that they keep quiet, but they cried out all the more, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!”
What made this any different from all the other times when people shouted Son of David? Many during this period saw Jesus as the political messiah, not the savior messiah. They saw the miracles, tasted the bread, and followed the crowds, expecting Jesus to overthrow the oppressive Roman rule. However, they did not understand His teachings.
Notice what it says about the blind men. They heard that Jesus was passing by. Hearing is the first step to seeing.
What did they do when they heard? They cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David.” This statement is the key to Jesus being moved with compassion. They were not looking for a political messiah, but a savior.
When the crowds tried to silence them, they cried out all the more, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!"
If you read ahead into chapter 21 of Matthew, you'll find a familiar story—the Triumphal Entry. They cried out, “Hosanna!” which means 'God save' or 'salvation has come.' The crowds missed it, the disciples missed it, but the blind heard it and cried out even louder!
Jesus, in response to the blind men’s cries—amid all the other noise and shouts of the day—heard these two men. Look at what verse 32 says.
Matthew 20:32 CSB - Jesus stopped, called them, and said, "What do you want me to do for you? "
Jesus stopped walking when He heard them. Why did He stop? He was moved with compassion. This was His purpose for coming to this earth: to open the eyes of the blind, to be the only way to the Father, and to be the salvation of the world—to show mercy to the undeserving.
Matthew 20:33 CSB - "Lord," they said to him, "open our eyes."
The answer the blind men gave is the answer we all need. Open our eyes!
APPLICATION:
It may be that today you have heard of Jesus but have not seen Him. You have heard of what He has done for others, but have not seen it in your life. If you are at that point, like the blind men, cry out to Jesus: Have mercy on me! Your eyes will be opened to the newness of life. Jesus is still moved with compassion today when we cry out for mercy.
For the rest of us, let us observe the actions of the two blind men. Just as four action words reveal the nature and character of Jesus, two words should be evident in us: immediately and followed.
When we hear His voice, respond immediately, don’t wait, delay, or stay in that darkness any longer. Allow Him to open your eyes so you can see clearly and follow Him right away.
PRAYER:
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. Open my eyes so I can see clearly. Open my eyes, Lord; I want to see Jesus!
Jesus is moved with compassion and opens the eyes of all who cry out to Him.
Posted in Matthew
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