Deuteronomy 1-3 Mark 10:32-52

“When he heard that Jesus from Nazareth was walking by, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many people warned the blind man to be quiet, but he shouted even more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stopped and said, ‘Tell the man to come here.’ So they called the blind man, saying, ‘Cheer up! Get to your feet. Jesus is calling you.’ The blind man jumped up, left his coat there, and went to Jesus.” (Mark 10:47-50)

There wasn’t much you could do if you had a disability in ancient Israel. The Pharisees encouraged giving alms to those who sat by the side of the road and begged. This was how many of those with disabilities scraped by and survived. The blind man sitting by the side of the road didn’t like his situation, but his job was to sit by the side of the road and beg.  And he did that until the fateful day that Jesus walked by. Hearing it was Jesus, he lost his cool and started shouting for Jesus. Those in the “parade” walking with Jesus tried to get him to be quiet. He didn’t listen to them – this was Jesus coming by, and he shouted all the louder. Then, Jesus stopped the parade and called for the blind man to come. Those who had told the blind man to be quiet now encouraged him to go to Jesus. The blind man threw everything to the side and ran to Him.

When Jesus asked what He could do, the blind man asked for healing, which Jesus provided. Raul Elizondo, pastor of New Life Baptist Church made an important point recently. The key to this story is that Jesus stopped. He stopped for a nobody, in the eyes of the world, sitting by the side of the road. He didn’t even presume the man’s request, He gave him the dignity of asking for and receiving what he wanted. That should cause us to stop and think. Who do we pass by that needs to experience the love and grace of Jesus? Maybe it’s a once in a lifetime encounter; maybe it’s someone we see everyday. Who do we pass by without even noticing that needs to know and experience God’s love? Take some time to stop, like Jesus did, and share His love and grace.

Lord, help me to notice those who are unnoticed. Make me stop, like You did, and share Your love and grace with them.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.