Jesus Stood Still

“Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!” (Matt 20:29-30 NKJV)

Passing through Jericho, accompanied by disciples and a crowded following, Jesus walked a dusty road toward Jerusalem to lay down His life for the world. Hearing of Jesus’ arrival, the poor blind beggars positioned themselves along the cramped passageway for a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity crying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!” Bible scholars agree this is the same miracle recorded in Mark’s gospel chapter ten, concerning Bartimaeus’ healing.

Though blind, Bartimaeus and his friend saw spiritually and believed upon Messiah (anointed One) because they called Him ‘Son of David’ which is a messianic title. This suggests the two beggars received divine knowledge. However, lividly angry bystanders scolded them and told them to ‘be quiet!’ Desperately longing for wholeness, the blind men screamed louder, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!” Believe me, the next four words were heavenly music to their ears!

“And Jesus stood still” (Matthew 20:32). These four words are over-the-top priceless but there’s more. Not only did Jesus stand still during that blaringly busy day; but He also called them to come near Him. Then Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” They said, “Lord that our eyes may be opened”. We get a lovely snippet here of Jesus’ warm compassion toward the desperate men and after He healed them, they followed Him.

‘And Jesus stood still’. I’m mesmerized by these words. Has Christ ever stood still for you—patiently waiting to hear a prayer? Compellingly, He does stand still for us, just like He did for those helpless men. Whether our blindness is spiritual, physical, ignorance or any other lack, Jesus wants to become Lord over our lives. And, if we seek Him, He will be found by us “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity (Jeremiah 29:13-14a NKJV).

O gracious Lord, You are beautiful beyond description, too marvelous for mere words. Thank you for gazing down, listening and hearing Your children. If we ask anything according to Your will, You hear us. And if we know You hear us, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked (1 John 5:14-15).