Matthew 20.29-34

It is interesting that after Jesus truly reveals what kind of King he is, Matthew tells the story of the blind men receiving sight. This story is a miracle of Jesus, pulling back the veil and showing us a little glimpse of what heaven is going to be like. Yet, this story is serving more than just that purpose. This story is a commentary, a political cartoon representing what is happening with Jesus and his disciples.

We just saw his disciples not understanding what kind of King he is and Jesus clearing it up for them. Then Matthew tells this story:

 ²⁹ As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. ³⁰ Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
 ³¹ The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
 ³² Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
 ³³ “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”
 ³⁴ Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.


The disciples are just like the blind men. They are not seeing clearly who Jesus is and what kind of King he is supposed to be. Jesus reveals to them his identity. This is the exact same thing he does for the blind guys. They aren't seeing clearly to say the least, and he gives them sight, revealing to them who he is. 


It is interesting that these blind guys called out, "Lord, Son of DAVID, have mercy on us." These blind guys "saw" more clearly who Jesus is than the seeing but seemingly "blind" Jewish leaders". This is the paradox. The blind guys see who Jesus is, and the disciples and the Jewish leaders don't see who he is, even though they have their sight. 


So here is my question for you: Do you understand and "see" who Jesus is? He is not a middle class, white American. He is a homeless, itinerant political figure from the Middle East. And he came hanging out with the social outcasts, spending time with tax collectors and sinners, meeting the physical needs of people, and he did it all by serving and discipling a small group. 


This is what Jesus did, this is the kind of King he is. We have to see this clearly so that we can follow his example, for that IS what he is calling us to do. 


"Come follow me."


Will you follow him?