Being Mindful
Matthew 20:29-34
29 As they were leaving Yericho (Jericho), a large crowd followed Yeshua. 30 Two blind men sitting by the side of the road heard that he was passing by and shouted, “Son of David! Have pity on us!” 31 The crowd scolded them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord! Son of David! Have pity on us!” 32 Yeshua stopped, called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They said to him, “Lord, open our eyes.” 34 Filled with tenderness, Yeshua touched their eyes; and instantly they received their sight and followed him.
Another healing... The words in these verses say that Jesus was, "filled with tenderness." I see this as Jesus being "mindful" of what was happening around Him.
Jericho is at the base of Jerusalem, by the Dead Sea. Jesus and the disciples were traveling the "Jericho Road" to go "up to Jerusalem." The signs in Israel say that Jericho is the "oldest city in the world." I don't know how that can be proven, but it is definitely an old city. This city would have been a good stopping point as they prepared to ascend the hill. This city would have been a good place of refuge in the desert.
Jewish people today cannot enter Jericho. It is considered part of the Palestinian Authority. It is not a "hotspot" and there are no guards as you enter or leave, but it is not recommended for Jews to visit.
In this "large crowd" of people, were people who scoffed and scolded. They told these men to "be quiet" and to leave Jesus alone. These words actually caused the two men to shout louder.
Jesus stopped. Jesus listened. Jesus was "filled with tenderness."
Based on these two scenarios, here are our questions for today... Are we part of the crowd? Are we scolding, holding people back, and telling others to be quiet? Or, are we like Jesus? Do we stop and listen? Do we stop and show compassion? Do we stop and take care of someone's needs?
I admit to often passing by. I have been told that some people use and take advantage of the being taken care of. However, when we see people we need to ask God for His discernment and wisdom because we do not want to miss an opportunity to be His light. We do not want to walk past someone who is ready to hear about Him.
Today as you go about your business, keep your eyes open for those who might need to hear Him. Be mindful of activities and people who are placed in your path. Keep your eyes open for those who might be ready for His touch. Ask Holy Spirit if you should respond to a need. Show HIS tenderness to those you meet.
Love and blessings,
Rose
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