URC Daily Devotion for 4-12-2025

St Matthew 9: 27 – 31

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’  When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to him, ‘Yes, Lord.’  Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith let it be done to you.’  And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, ‘See that no one knows of this.’  But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district.

Reflection

What a wonderful story. It’s one I remember from Junior Church. It’s so easy to picture, and has a happy result. 

Yet years later, as a hospital chaplain, I came almost to loathe this story. Time and again this passage was quoted at me by people who had faith but were not getting any better, or by their family and friends who would tell me they felt God was letting them down because so and so has such faith, and yet they have not been cured. Many, many times I found myself in such conversations. My response was always the same; there are no answers. Sadly some people became embittered. 

However, more commonly, I would see a change in the patient themselves. They may not be being physically cured, but their whole demeanour would gradually alter. Despite their problems, a sense of peace would emerge. Yes, they may still struggle or be sad, but sometimes it was almost as though I could see ‘the everlasting arms’ supporting and loving them. 

These people were discovering the deeper meaning of today’s passage. Just like the two blind men, through faith they were looking to Jesus, and the more they looked, the more their eyes were opened, realising the truth of who Jesus was, and being more open to receive gifts through him. 

This is not just a story about physical blindness. It is a story for us all, reminding us that we all have blind spots, but that the more we look to Jesus the more his light of love will shine into and through us. We don’t have to wait until we hit a tough time in life, though maybe such phases do concentrate our minds. This is a simple message for us all, everyday. What a wonder-full story. 

Prayer

Open our eyes Lord,
we want to see Jesus, 
to reach out and touch him 
and say that we love him. 
Open our ears Lord, 
and help us to listen; 
O open our eyes, Lord, 
we want to see Jesus.  

Robert Cull (b 1949)   © 1976 Maranatha Music USA