An examination of Matthew 20:30—34

There are several important lessons we may learn from this story.  Let’s notice—

1.  The sad picture.  Blindness is indeed a tragedy; imagine losing your sight!  Imagine being unable to see anything but utter blackness.  No wonder these two blind men were— 

• Poor.  They sat by the side of the road, probably begging for money from each passerby.  These were two men who had no hope that their condition would ever change; they had no promises to live on and no prospects for the future.  This is the condition of all those without Christ in their lives.  Such have no hope, no promises and no prospects.  All without Christ are the poorest of the poor.
• Blind.  These men were so blind; they couldn’t see the Savior passing.  This is a picture of those who are so destitute spiritually that they cannot discern the Son of God calling them.
• Helpless.  Even though there were two of them, they couldn’t help each other.  Sinful man is guilty before the Lord and none on earth can help them.  Our only hope in the condition is the help that comes from above.

2.  An opportunity passes by.  We read that one day Jesus was walking right past these men.  When Jesus passes by, it is the one and only chance a person has to be set free from their bondage to sin.  These men embraced this opportunity by putting themselves right in Jesus’ way!  It is far better to place yourself in Jesus’ way than to stray from Him back into the world of darkness (Hosea 7:13). 

3.  A sincere prayer.  They cried out to the Lord that He may have mercy upon them.  Notice their— 

• Boldness.  They just yelled, for all to here.  They didn’t care if everybody heard their cry; they were that desperate, crying out of their need.
• Faith.  Notice they called Jesus “Lord.”  They acknowledged Him as Messiah and Master. 
• Petition.  They asked for mercy, admitting their helpless state and their immediate need by begging for mercy.  The prayer of the self righteous man is “I’m not as bad the other person,” (Luke 18:11) or “I’ll get around to paying you,” (Matthew 18:26).  Indeed, the prayer God hears and answers is the prayer asking for mercy (Luke 18:23).
• Wisdom.  They heard and they cried.  These men didn’t wait for a better time.  Faith comes by hearing according to Romans 10:17 and these men heard!  The words of Isaiah are so true:  “Hear and your soul will live,” (Isaiah 55:3).

4.  An unbelieving crowd.  Those who seek the Lord are often made fun of by others.  This can be a great a great hindrance in the pursuit of God.  But perhaps a greater hindrance are all those who are in weak and inconsistent followers of Christ. These types have no interest in His great work of redemption and often look upon the helpless sinner with disdain and a cynical eye.  May the Lord grant all of us the ability to see them as He sees them. 

5.  A willing Christ.  Christ doesn’t want any to die.  Jesus: 

·        Stopped and stood.  The cry of the needy can stop Jesus in His tracks and draw out of Him streams of compassion.  He stood.  What a privilege it is to have the Lord’s ear.

·        Called.  Freedom of access is now granted by the Lord.  Jesus seeks fellowship with those who come near to Him.  He stands at the door and knocks and continues to call aloud, “If anybody hears my voice and opens the door for me, I will come in and fellowship with him,” Revelation 3:20.  Make room for Him!

6.  Grace extended.  Jesus asked these men what they wanted from Him.  Of course He already knew, but He wanted them to speak their need aloud.  He invited them.  What a wonderful Savior!  The crowd couldn’t keep Him from hearing the prayer of the needy. 

7.  The perfect cure.  God’s remedy for man’s need—his every need—is a mixture of His infinite love and compassion and the precious blood of His Son.  Take note of the order:

1. He had compassion.  Their desperate need touched something in Christ and moved His soul to action.
2. He touched their eyes.  The presence of Jesus is always a conscious presence.  To be ministered to, you must come close to him.  Within a close proximity to Christ, sin is blotted out, needs met and the dead live.
3. They received their sight.  What an amazing thing!  What a complete change in their condition.  Old things have passed away, and all things are made new.  Salvation is a very great and blessing we can experience and know.
4. They followed him.  He touched them, now they keep in touch with Him.  Following Him is a blessed life indeed.