Today’s Reading: Matthew 20:29-34 and 21:18-22; Mark 10:46-52 and 11:12-14,20-25; Luke 18:35-43
As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” – Matthew 20:29-30
Can you hear the passion in their voices? Can you hear the desperation and the desire to be healed? They were not just asking for mercy, they were pleading for help. They were not calling out to a simple prophet, they were recognizing that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Son of David, their Lord.
Pray with passion…
“Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them.
But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” – Matthew 20:31-33
Jesus is giving these two men the opportunity to say specifically what they want him to do for them. He knows the desire of their heart and their physical need is obvious, but Jesus allows them the opportunity to define what they want him to do and why. It is in this moment that the crowd sees the faith of two men who desire nothing more than to see the face of Jesus.
Pray specifically. What are you asking Jesus to do for you today?
Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him. – Matthew 20:34
In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up.
The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” – Matthew 21:18-20
Pray confidently, knowing what Jesus is capable of accomplishing…
Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” – Matthew 21:21-22
Perhaps these words of Jesus are hard to receive because you have not experienced the answer your heart desires when you pray. I have definitely been there. This reminder is good for me to hear. I pray God gives me the faith to…
Pray passionately.
Pray specifically.
Pray from a DOUBTLESS FAITH.
Pray with CONFIDENT BOLDNESS.
Pray with HUMBLE EXPECTATION.
Pray with SHAMELESS PERSISTENCE.