April 8 – Healing On the Way

“Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” Matthew 20:32-34 (NIV)

We realize that our observation of Resurrection Sunday* is soon and that this Sunday (tomorrow) is the day we know as Palm Sunday. So we will remember during the next week how Jesus died on the cross for us. Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem and he knew that he would soon be arrested and crucified at Jerusalem. Yet, He took time to listen to two blind men as he passed through Jericho. They called out to Him and He stopped and asked them, what they wanted from Him. The blind men said they wanted their sight. Jesus touched their eyes and we read that “immediately they received their sight and followed Him.” We have chosen these words to remind us of the love of the Lord. Even though he knew that in less than a week he would suffer and die a horrible death for the sins of the world, he had compassion to give these poor men what they asked for. They didn’t deserve it but we don’t deserve our salvation either. This is the way of the Lord Jesus; he made salvation available to all who ask for it. Those blind men asked for healing from him because they believe he could give it to them. I hope we all have believed and received what Jesus has freely for given to us.

*Although the tradition of Easter was not established until the 4th Century (325 A.D.) what we observe today is important to our traditions of recognizing the time when Christ suffered, was crucified, died and rose again to new life.