Advent: Week 1: Friday: Matthew 9: 27-31

First Reading: Isaiah 29: 17-24- That day the eyes of the blind will see.

Gospel: Matthew 9: 27-31- Two blind men who believe in Jesus are cured.

This passage includes the example of two blind men who had desperate and hopeless needs. God wants from people is the very same thing a parent wants from a child-faith and trust, love and dependence. God wants a person to believe and trust Him to love and depend upon Him. This is clearly seen throughout his passage.

1.     The unceasing cry for sight:

There was the unceasing cry for sight. This cry came from two blind men who were apparently sitting besides the road begging. They began to follow after Jesus, crying out as fast as they could shout, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” They took the very steps necessary to have their needs met.

a.     The blind men followed Jesus.

1.     They acknowledged his Messiahship.

2.     They cried for mercy

3.     They sought after him

b.     Jesus’ response: A readiness to help because of his compassion and love.

1.     His question. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes Lord, they replied.” They recognised Jesus as their Messiah, the Saviour of the world. This is seen in saying “Son of David” the Messianic title used for Jesus by these simple and desperate blind men.

2.     His touch- cured them

3.     His power based on faith

c.      Jesus’ instruction: Focus on me, not on the miracle or on self. “Be Humble”. Jesus wanted these men to set a dynamic example in humility. Apparently they had a heart that would tend toward boasting in their miracle and in the change wrought in their lives.

Thought: The men persisted and kept after Jesus. They followed him right up to his house. The point is they would not give up until he helped them. Persistence, a true cry for help, is not rudeness to Jesus. The two men helped each other and fought together to get to Jesus.

“And without faith, it is impossible to please God...” (Heb 11: 6).

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Jesus Christ. (Rom 10: 17).

For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (Mt 7: 8).