What Jesus Did! 'Have Mercy on Us!' — Matthew 20:29-31

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

When Jesus and his followers were leaving Jericho, many, many people followed Jesus. There were two blind men sitting by the road. The blind men heard that Jesus was coming by. So the blind men shouted, "Lord, Son of David, please help us!" All the people criticized the blind men. They told the blind men not to speak. But the blind men shouted more and more, "Lord, Son of David, please help us!"
— Matthew 20:29-31 NLT
Illustration of Matthew 20:29-31 NLT — "Lord, Son of David, please help us!" —— "Lord, Son of David, please help us!"

Key Thought

Messianic expectations are on the rise as Jesus is moving toward Jerusalem. Jericho, a mere 15 miles or so away, is caught up in the crowds who want to witness his Kingdom dawn in Jerusalem. Jesus, on the other hand, has been teaching that his Kingdom is about servants who offer ministry and about those being counted last by men being counted first by God. Here we see the point powerfully illustrated. Those who are helpless and very needy know more about Jesus' true identity and ministry than those who are well educated, powerful, and religious. He is God's promised Son of David. He comes as King, but not to be pampered but to show compassion. Their cry must be our own: "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

Today's Prayer

Holy Father, thank you for your grace in Jesus. Thank you for standing the conventional wisdom on its head and showing that true power and authority can be seen in the cross-bound Jesus who shares grace more than it can be shown in the crushing and ruthless victory of a brutal warrior. Please help me as I seek to lead in your Kingdom in a small way to remember the truest example of leadership is Jesus and the greatest work of leadership is redemptive compassion. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matt. 9:27-30
  • Matt. 5:7
  • Col. 3:12-17

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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