Matthew 20

July 12 - Seeing Jesus

Matthew 20:29-34

They said to him, "Lord, let our eyes be opened." (Matthew 20:33 ESV)

The two blind men sat on the roadside, probably much like they always did, and heard the crowd stirring. Jesus was passing by. They had heard about Jesus. He was the miracle worker. The guy who had been causing such a big stir with his healings and controversial teachings.

The blind men began to call out to Jesus. The crowd tried to deter them and silence them, but they would not be quieted. They cried out all the louder. And, Jesus took notice. He stopped. He asked what they wanted. They answered. And he aHealed them.

Now, imagine you were one of those guys. The first sight that you had perhaps ever seen was the image if the one that had enough mercy to reach down and touch you and heal. The first face you would eve know. The first bit of light to ever penetrate your world of perpetual darkness was that of Christ Jesus.

Much in the way the miraculous healing changed their physical blindness it changed their spiritual blindness as well. From that day forward they followed Jesus. Jesus does the same for us as well. He opens our souls to see him clearly. He opens our hearts to love clearly. He opens up our strength so that we can serve fully. He takes us from a world of broken darkness and despair and interrupts it with his wonderfully marvelous light. And it all starts by seeing, truly seeing, who he is. It all starts by seeing Jesus.

July 8 - We Are Able

Matthew 20:20-28

Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." (Matthew 20:22 ESV)

Have you ever met someone with an incredibly inflated idea of their capabilities? I know I have definitely been that guy from time to time. Sometimes assurance of what you can do is dangerous, but not always. Confidence can be great especially confidence that is grounded in Christ.

James and John were confident in their ability to follow Christ. Their mother was also confident. Probably too confident as she asked Jesus to seat her boys at his side in his kingdom.

How confident are you? How do you feel about your ability to follow Jesus? There are days when it certainly seems easier than others. There are days when it seems difficult. The truth is that Jesus helps us. Jesus gives us confidence. We need only receive it. In Jesus, we are able.