As we prepare for the holidays I was reminded as I read Matthew 20:29-34, Jesus’ heart for those who are spiritually and physically hurting in our world.

As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them.  But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” they said, “we want to see!”  Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him.

People are hurting and crying out for help while we are yelling at them to shut up – they are interfering with our worship time.  We need to be more like Christ…for our hearts to beat like his.  Jesus stops what he is doing, has compassion on them and provides the healing they so desperately need.  Christ wants us to be dispensers of His healing – ambassadors of grace and mercy.

This holiday season can you hear their cries or are the sounds of the crowd too loud?