Two Blind Men and the Road to Mercy
When we read these short verses from Matthew’s Gospel, we might imagine we are walking with Jesus on the dusty road leading out of Jericho.
It’s busy, noisy, and people are everywhere.
But somewhere on the edge of all that movement sit two blind men—men the crowd has learned to zone out from, learned to not notice.
But the blind men noticed Jesus. We don’t know how, because they couldn’t see Him, but they somehow recognised something in Him.
Perhaps it was through a heightened sense they had developed to compensate for their blindness.
But by whatever sense they used to discern the importance of this moment, they could hear when Jesus was passing right before them and called out to him.
Not politely. Not quietly. They cried out loudly for mercy.
And the crowd tried to silence them. ‘Don’t bother Him. Don’t make a scene,’ they were more or less saying.
It’s amazing, isn’t it, just like today, how quickly people decide whose voice matters and whose doesn’t.
But these two men wouldn’t be silenced. They knew what they needed, and somehow understood that Jesus could help them.
And then came the moment that always catches me: Jesus stopped right in front of them.
He didn’t keep walking. He didn’t let the noise drown them out. But he stopped just for them.
He asked them what they wanted—not because he didn’t know, but because he wanted an honest relationship, an understanding built upon trust and compassion.
Then we learn that Jesus restored their sight.
And, without hesitation, the two healed men, then joined the ranks of his followers.
Reflection
It’s a simple story, but it speaks of everyday moments today.
Because we all have moments when we feel like those two men—on the margins, tired, unsure, maybe carrying things we haven’t dared to voice.
And we all have moments when we’re part of the crowd—busy, distracted, not really seeing the people around us.
This passage gently invites us to do two things today.
First, to be honest with God about what we need. To call out to Him in our need, even if it feels messy or bold.
And second, to slow down enough to notice others.
To be willing, like Jesus, to stop and to listen.
And to respond with compassion.
Challenge
So, as we step through each new day, may we bring our whole selves before God, trusting that He hears us and will provide what we need.
And may we also walk through this day with eyes fully open—ready to follow Jesus, and ready to properly see those He places before us today.
