Read Matthew 20:30-34 - 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!” 31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 32 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 33 “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” 34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. Jesus allowed himself to be interrupted by the blind men while the crowd tried to silence them. If we want to be used by God we must get used to being interrupted.
Discuss how busyness can be the enemy of mercy.
“Don’t be obsessed with always getting your own advantage. Forget yourself long enough to lend a helping hand.” Philippians 2:4 (The Message)
The Amplified version of 1 Corinthians 10:24 says, “Let no one seek [only] his own good, but also that of the other person.”
Discuss how we can make ourselves available for God to work through us.
“God comforts us in our troubles, so that we can comfort others who are in trouble with the same comfort that we ourselves received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
*Talk about how you see this play out in your own walk with God. Think about someone in your life needing comfort, encouragement, or help in their defeat or despair. What will you do to comfort them?
FOR FURTHER READING:
I Feel Invisible - Newsweek Article
A CONTINUATION OF TODAYS TALK
FIVE principles we can apply to our lives today as we CHOOSE LOVE in a isolated and lonely world.
- You are mindful when you choose to LISTEN
- You are mindful when you choose to STOP
- You are mindful when you choose to LOOK
- You are mindful when you choose to ASK
When you ask people what they need, you give them the opportunity to be heard. You welcome their experiences and perspectives. By asking question you don’t assume that you know better, because you don’t. You have not experience the pain they have.
Throughout the scriptures Jesus asked this question many times, what do you want me to do for you? He’s basically letting that person in pain set the agenda. He’s not coming in, and saying, “I know what you need.” He’s not coming in, and saying, “I’m the authority here who knows how to figure out how to take care of all your needs in this area, or this group of people, whatever.”
He’s gently asking, “What do you need? How can I help? How can I serve you?” As a posture of humility for someone who already feels humbled but their pain and circumstances.
The better we get at asking questions with the people we work with, , the people you go to school with, the people you live with, the better questions you learn to ask, the more you’ll be a great lover, because you’re inviting people to be vulnerable. Even thought it was obvious what these two blind men needed, Jesus still asked, “What do you want?”
Good questions help you be a great listener and respond by meeting real needs.
5. You are mindful when you choose to DO SOMETHING
Offer to help. I’m talking about practical help. Do you need me to run an errand for you? Do you need me to babysit? Do you need me to help clear the leaves out of your gutter on your roof? How can I help you? Can I take something for you? Can I take something off your agenda?
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