208 of 365 - Open My Eyes

They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” Matthew 20:33
 
“Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” The cries of two blind men. The following crowds attempt to silence them, but they cry out even louder and more determined, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!”

Jesus stops. “What do you want me to do for you?” He asks.

There is no hesitation. They know what they came for and what they want. “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” They want to be healed; to see.

Immediately their sight is restored. Immediately they follow Him.

The contrast between the blind men and the rich young man from Matthew 19 is worth examining. The blind men come in desperation. They know they are utterly unable to help themselves. The rich man comes pretty comfortable with his situation, but looking for that one missing thing…assuming it isn’t too costly to get. The blind men, poor in spirit. The young man, rich in worldly possessions.

“Teacher,” the young man calls out as he addresses Jesus. “Lord, Son of David,” the blind men cry out. The young man looking for a little more knowledge; the blind men looking for a Savior.
 
The rich young man and the poor blind men approach Jesus differently and walk away differently. Sorrowful, the young man walks AWAY from Jesus. Restored, the blind men walk WITH Jesus.
 
Oh, how it is harder for a rich man to enter the kingdom of Heaven. The perceived sacrifice is just too much. The perceived need is not quite as deep. But in walking away, the restoration never comes. Because the sacrifice pales in comparison to the reward and the need is so much deeper than realized.

Questions: Think about the different ways we approach Jesus with requests. How do you generally approach Him? How might that impact your mindset and the outcome?