Mercty with Humility

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!" (Matthew 20:29-31).

The amazing thing about these 2 men is despite the fact they were physically blind, they had spiritual insight, something few people had in that day. This is supported by the words they spoke to Jesus.

The word ‘Lord’ did not necessarily mean they understood Jesus was the Messiah. It was a common term that denoted a master or ruler. In that day, wealthier families had slaves to manage the household. The head of the household was often called ‘lord’ or ‘master’. Political officials and those who had positions of honor in the community were also called ‘lord’.

However, these men called upon Jesus for mercy, which indicated they knew something of the compassion of Jesus. Mercy is defined as an act of compassion. Justice is defined as the administering of deserved punishment or reward. In that day, like today, people cry out for justice when they should be calling for mercy. If the courts today doled out real justice, very few would survive the punishment they deserve.

These men also called Jesus Son of David, which was a Messianic title. This clearly shows they understood Jesus to be the Messiah of God. It was common knowledge among the Jews of that day that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David (John 7:42). When Jesus entered Jerusalem a few days after this incident, the crowds gathered along the street and cried out, Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest! (Matthew 21:9).

Although these men cried out loudly to gain Jesus’ attention, they were humble in heart. They knew they were unworthy to gain His consideration; they understood they deserved nothing from Him. That’s why they cried out for mercy. Like the leper who approached Jesus months earlier rightly said, Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean (Matthew 8:2).

It is a sad commentary on modern American Christianity that we believe we can demand certain considerations from Jesus, when we deserve nothing from Him. It is only by His grace and mercy that we are saved in the first place. He is the Lord Jesus Christ. We have no position of honor or authority unless He gives it to us. Like the leper, these 2 blind men, and few others, we call upon the Lord with a humble heart and a broken spirit as we seek His mercy.

“Lord Jesus, forgive our attitude of arrogance that we should expect You to jump through hoops for us by granting anything we ask. Remind us that You are the Lord and we are Your servants, and that we are to seek Your will and not our own. To Your praise and glory I ask, Amen.”

Pastor