S2 Ep2178: "New Creation - New Sight” | Matthew 20.29-34 | 17Mar24 | Malcolm Cox

A New Creation, Matthew 20.29-37 —  New SightIntroductionWhat is the question?Who does God accept?Rich law-keepers?Ethnic Israel?Leaders?Associates?What is revealed? About God? About Jesus? About following Jesus?“As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!” Jesus stood still and called them, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?” They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.”  Matt 20.29-34Ch20 overview and themes1-16: parable of the labourers -- the last shall be first and the first shall be last17-19: prediction of his death and resurrection 20-23: Mother of James and John requests special treatment (one of very few women to get it wrong)24-28: Teaching on servanthood29-34: Jesus heals two blind menWhy this matters to us....1. Why Jesus Stops, vv29-37Question: What is happening?Someone asksHe sees/hearsHe came for this reasonHis compassion - desire to help2. Who Jesus Stops ForQuestion: What are we meant to notice?The blind - some end up seeingThe blind - some do not end up seeing3. What we learn about JesusQuestion: What do we learn about Jesus?He is interruptible - for you, for usHe hears the cries of the needy - out there and in here.He is moved, by our needs - that feeling in the gut….ConclusionWho are we?Blindly blind?Grumblers; Selfishly ambitious; Jealous; Restrictors; Blind?Are we the grumblers if people get into heaven we don’t think deserve to get there?Are we the mother of Zebedee who wants special treatment from Jesus for those we love?Are we the disciples angry because someone might be ‘greater’ than them?Are we the crowd who’s discipleship is restricting who has access to Jesus?Seeing blind?People who seek Jesus’ help despite opposition and embarrassmentJesusInterruptibleAttentiveGenerousCompassionateAre we Jesus - interruptible, generous, attentive, compassionate?On Monday - will you be interruptible for the sake of people feeling the compassion of Jesus?Lord's Supper“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.” (Luke 14:13 NRSV)The Lord’s Supper is that kind of banquetAnger at sin (not sinners) led to Jesus' courageous compassionate sacrificeEaster is on the horizonLet's stop right now to remember and honour Jesus stopping for usPlease add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm