May 31 - June 6, 2020: Matthew 20:29-34
JESUS-The Son of David
Refresh: Begin with prayer. Ask for the Holy Spirit to open your heart to new understanding and for God's character to be revealed.
Read: Matthew 20:29-34 and note 1-3 insights or questions
Reflect: Go there with me...to that scene along the road exiting Jericho...two blind men (one of them named Bartimaeus as we know from the parallel passage of Mark 10: 46-52) crying out to Jesus, "Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David." The multitude trying to shush them, yet they are crying out all the more, "HAVE MERCY ON US, O LORD, SON OF DAVID." What tense, stressful, and anxious moments these must have been...for the crowd that is! For the two blind men, what expectant, determined, and assuring these moments must have been! How can I say this, you ask?
David H. Stern, Messianic Jew and author of Jewish New Testament Commentary, shares on p. 2 the following: "The term 'Son of David' is actually one of the titles of the Messiah, based on the Tanakh's (Old Testament's) prophecies that the Messiah will be a descendant of David and will sit on David's throne forever.
Although in the beginning of this scene when the two blind men could not visually see, one could say that they could see Jesus for who He is better than the multitude could see Him. And Praise the Lord that Jesus grants their request to be healed of physical blindness! Not only does Jesus out of His compassion touch and heal their eyes, but He also gives them a new life purpose of following Him, the Son of David, Jesus the Messiah!
Ellen G. White in the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Volume 5, p. 231 (from RH March 15, 1887) says in regards to Bartimaeus in the Mark 10: 46-52 passage, "This appeal is heard. His persevering faith is rewarded. Not only is physical sight restored, but the eyes of his understanding are opened. In Christ he sees his Redeemer, and the Sun of Righteousness shines into his soul. All who feel their need of Christ as did blind Bartimaeus, and who will be as earnest and determined as he was, will, like him, receive the blessing which they crave."
Recalibrate: Has Jesus healed you? Is there an area in your life where you are blind but would like to see? What in the world needs healing today? Who in our world needs healing today?
Respond: Pray, "Lord Jesus, thank you for being the Son of David, the Messiah, the Great Physician. Thank you for healing me of _____________. O Lord, that you may bring healing in me from _________________."
Research: Be blessed as you listen to these two different versions of Amazing Grace. Thank you, Lord, that although we once were blind, now we see, thanks be to Jesus :-)
Celtic Woman-Amazing Grace (Official Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsCp5LG_zNE
Chris Tomlin-Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-4NFvI5U9w