As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 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 20:29-34 NIV
Desperation will have us unashamedly crying out for a miracle
… and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” MATTHEW 20:30 NIV
The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. PSALM 6:9 NIV
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. PSALM 34:6 NLT
Desperation can help us to see who Jesus truly is and what he can do
… “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” MATTHEW 20:32 NIV
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. HEBREWS 11:1 NIV
What we ask for and don’t ask for often reveals a lot about who we think Jesus is and what he can do
Jesus responds to our desperation with compassion
Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. … MATTHEW 20:34 NIV
I don’t know what God will do, but he will meet you with compassion
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you 1 PETER 5:7 NIV
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ROMANS 8:32 NIV
My Notes
Personal Reflection Guide
Find a quiet place to spend some time with God reflecting on this sermon. Ask God to quiet your thoughts and feelings in order to hear what he wants to say to you. Taking a few deep breaths can help bring this stillness, or taking a walk and observing nature can help. When you are ready, commit the time to God for his purposes.
Ask God to help you discern where in your life you are feeling desperate for a miracle. Why are you feeling desperate to be healed in this area? What are your feelings when you think about how Jesus looks upon your suffering with compassion? Confess to Jesus your desperation and tell Him what you want Him to do for you. What do you sense He wants you to do to cooperate with Him in your healing. Plan to take an action step this week. Close your time by praising Him for His ability to heal you and His compassionate concern for your suffering.
Discussion Questions
Get the most out of this series by reading and discussing Pastor Matt’s new book ‘Every Day a Miracle.’
Here’s how it works: Read 1-2 chapters per week and discuss the questions in the book at the end of each chapter during your group time.
Go to sandalschurch.com/miracles to get a copy of the book.
If you are not in a group, we want to come alongside you to help you experience miracles in community. We have Specialty Groups starting across our campuses, where you can join others looking for the same miracle. Check out our Specialty Groups at sandalschurch.com/specialtygroups and sign up to get connected with the group.
- Where are you looking for a miracle?
