WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM CHRIST?

PROCLAMATION

“Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’  The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’  Jesus stopped and called them.  ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ He asked.  “Lord,’ they answered, ‘we want our sight.’  Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes.  Immediately they received their sight and followed Him.”  Matthew 20:30-34 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to the Apostle Matthew.  While He was still in Judea, Jesus taught them the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. (Matthew 20:1-16)  As He was leaving Judea going to Jerusalem, He predicted His death to His disciples for the third time. (Matthew 20:17-19)  As Jesus was leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. (Matthew 20:29)  Two blind men sitting on the side of the road heard that Jesus, The Christ, was passing by and they yelled, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us.”  The crowd rebuked them, and told them to be quiet, but they yelled even louder.   When Jesus asked them what they wanted, they answered, “We want our sight.”

APPLICATION

What do you want from Jesus, The Christ?  If you could only get one thing from Him, what would you ask for?  Most of us have a long, “shopping list” full of things that we want, but we have not given much thought to prioritizing that list and identifying the one most important thing that we want.  Most people want “things” or silver and gold or wealth untold.  But like the parable which Jesus taught of the Rich Man whose barns were full, who tore down his barns and built bigger barns to hold more goods.  He was told, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.” (Luke 12:20)  As a child I was taught that if I could be granted three wishes, I should ask for good health, long life, and happiness.  Now, all I want is to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant … enter into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)  Again I ask, What do you want from Christ?  Do not listen to the crowd, seek The Lord God.  Whatsoever you do, do it all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)