A New Creation, Matthew 20.29-37 — New Sight
Introduction
What is the question?
Who does God accept?
Rich law-keepers?
Ethnic Israel?
Leaders?
Associates?
What is revealed? About God? About Jesus? About following Jesus?
“As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!” Jesus stood still and called them, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?” They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.” Matt 20.29-34
Ch20 overview and themes
1-16: parable of the labourers — the last shall be first and the first shall be last
17-19: prediction of his death and resurrection
20-23: Mother of James and John requests special treatment (one of very few women to get it wrong)
24-28: Teaching on servanthood
29-34: Jesus heals two blind men
Why this matters to us….
- Why Jesus Stops, vv29-37
Question: What is happening?
Someone asks
He sees/hears
He came for this reason
His compassion – desire to help - Who Jesus Stops For
Question: What are we meant to notice?
The blind – some end up seeing
The blind – some do not end up seeing - What we learn about Jesus
Question: What do we learn about Jesus?
He is interruptible – for you, for us
He hears the cries of the needy – out there and in here.
He is moved, by our needs – that feeling in the gut….
Conclusion
Who are we?
Blindly blind?
Grumblers; Selfishly ambitious; Jealous; Restrictors; Blind?
Are we the grumblers if people get into heaven we don’t think deserve to get there?
Are we the mother of Zebedee who wants special treatment from Jesus for those we love?
Are we the disciples angry because someone might be ‘greater’ than them?
Are we the crowd who’s discipleship is restricting who has access to Jesus?
Seeing blind?
People who seek Jesus’ help despite opposition and embarrassment
Jesus
Interruptible
Attentive
Generous
Compassionate
Are we Jesus – interruptible, generous, attentive, compassionate?
On Monday – will you be interruptible for the sake of people feeling the compassion of Jesus?
Lord’s Supper
“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.” (Luke 14:13 NRSV)
The Lord’s Supper is that kind of banquet
Anger at sin (not sinners) led to Jesus’ courageous compassionate sacrifice
Easter is on the horizon
Let’s stop right now to remember and honour Jesus stopping for us
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
