EYES ON THE PRIZE

Susan Boyle is now an internationally acclaimed singing star. However, back in 2009 when she first auditioned for a British television talent show, her stated ambition of becoming a professional singer was met with derision. Before she had even sung a note, she had been written off as having no hope of realizing her dream – presumably because of her appearance.

Something like that happens to the two blind men sitting by the road out of Jericho. Their attempt to attract the attention of Jesus (v 30) is met with contempt from the accompanying crowd (v 31), some of whom may well have tossed a couple of coins their way to ‘buy their silence,’ having judged that money must be all that these social outcasts were after. Jesus, however, hears something more in their persistent cries – nothing less than a faith that literally stops him in his tracks (v 32).

Although blind, these beggars already see Jesus – whom they address as God’s Messiah – as the one who can restore their sight (v 33). Jesus’ question to them is not to nurture a previously absent faith, but to tease out their existing faith for the benefit of the crowd that had written them off. Contrary to appearances, these men are model disciples who ask in faith, according to kingdom priorities, and so receive just as Jesus promised (Matthew 7:7,8).