As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. And two blind men sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David !”  The crowd sternly told them to be quiet, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.  ~Matthew 20:29-34 (NASB)

The bible records that wherever Jesus went people cried out Him, especially those shunned by society, the outcasts, and the rejects, those who had lost all hope the things of this world, in others and in any ability to save themselves. 

Isn’t this still true today?  Even after 2000 years, when we are hurt, lost and without hope; is it then that we cry out to God?  I wonder if in those moments those who profess no belief in God also find themselves calling out to something larger and beyond themselves.

What strikes me was the response of Jesus; he stops, calls to them and simply asks, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

Jesus gave no indication that He knew what they wanted.  He simply asked and waited for them to answer. Could it be true that Jesus, often in a still small voice, is asking this very same question even today, to you and to me? “What do you want Me to do for you?”

So I leave you with this – maybe we should also be asking this question of others?  Many are yearning and waiting for someone, anyone to ask them this question.  So set aside your own agenda and thinking that you know exactly how to solve the problem and ask.

The blind men knew exactly what they wanted Jesus to do for them, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.”  Clear and straight to the point was their answer as I suspect those in need also know exactly what they may need in that moment but no one ever asks.  We give them our answers, our promises, even our good intentions but we do not ask what do they truly want.

I believe that love and compassion first starts here. In order for us to meet a need at that still point and to truly fulfill it we must first ask the question and wait for an answer.  Even if the question is asked silently within the halls of our own hearts.

Just Believe ~ Grace Wins ~ Hope Lives
1000 Voices for Compassion