Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Two blind men were begging at the side of the road as Jesus left Jericho, heading for Jerusalem. They called out to Jesus to give them sight. And he had compassion on them, touched their eyes, and they received their sight.
But, rather than returning home like most of those healed, these men followed Jesus. So they likely were part of the crowd that welcomed him into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. And may even have been among those who saw Jesus after his resurrection.
Spiritual Sight
While this was a physical healing, I find that it also can speak to us about our spiritual condition. All of us were once blind, living in darkness, and separated from the life of God. But God had compassion on us, sending his Son into the world so that those who believe might receive their sight (John 3:16) and follow him.
In 1971, I experienced what these blind men did. I was spiritually blind and living in darkness. But when I called out for God to show mercy and open my eyes, he did, and I was born anew. It transformed my life, and I have joyfully followed him since then.
If you are living in darkness, call out to God. He will hear you and give you new life and sight.
If you have received your spiritual sight, then follow the example of these men. Follow Jesus along the road to the cross and beyond. Life as a disciple is not always easy and can be very challenging. But it is a rewarding journey, walking through this life at Jesus’ side. And it is the only reasonable response to what he has done for us (Rom. 12:1-2).
