How can we emulate the blind men's persistence in seeking Jesus' mercy today? The Scene in Matthew 20:30 “Two blind men were sitting by the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’” (Matthew 20:30) What Persistence Looked Like Then - They seized the moment. Jesus was “passing by,” and they would not let the opportunity slip. - They cried out loudly—repeatedly—despite the crowd’s attempts to silence them (v. 31). - They anchored their plea in Jesus’ messianic title, “Son of David,” expressing firm belief in His identity and authority. - They asked specifically for mercy, trusting His compassionate character to meet their deepest need. Why Persistence Still Matters - Scripture assures us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). What moved His heart then moves it now. - The Lord invites continual, confident approach: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy…” (Hebrews 4:16). - Persistent faith glorifies God by declaring that His help is our only hope (Luke 18:7–8). Practical Ways to Cry Out Today - Establish a daily rhythm of prayer that refuses to quit—morning, midday, and night (Psalm 55:17). - Speak Scripture aloud when praying; let God’s own words fuel perseverance (Isaiah 62:6–7). - Fast periodically to underline the urgency of your petition (Matthew 6:17–18). - Enlist trusted believers to agree with you, echoing the blind men who cried out together (Matthew 18:19). - Keep a journal of requests and dated answers; reviewing God’s past faithfulness strengthens present resolve (Psalm 77:11–12). Guarding Against Discouragement - Remember Jesus’ parable “that they should always pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). - Reject the lie of useless repetition; faith-filled persistence differs from empty babbling (Matthew 6:7–8). - Resist timelines of your own making; God’s delays refine faith, not deny mercy (James 1:3–4). - Encourage yourself with testimonies of answered prayer in Scripture—Hannah (1 Samuel 1), Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46–52), the early church (Acts 12:5–17). Looking for Mercy in Everyday Moments - Approach each new hardship as another chance to “cry out” instead of complaining (Philippians 2:14). - Celebrate even small evidences of Christ’s kindness; gratitude fuels persistence (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). - Keep eyes open for the “passing by” moments—divine appointments, sudden insights, unexpected provision—signposts that the Lord is near. Encouragement From Other Voices - “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). - “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). - “Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). Like the blind men, refuse to be hushed. Cry out, cling to Christ’s mercy, and trust that persistent faith still opens eyes today. |
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