Behind The Annoyances

Matthew 20:29-34

Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him. (Matthew 20:34)

TWO BLIND MEN SHOUTED at Jesus as he was leaving Jericho, and the surrounding crowds told them to be quiet. The men were making a scene in front of the Master, apparently annoying those who were trying to listen to Jesus or make a good impression on him. That’s often what happens when people who don’t pick up on social cues (or are too desperate to follow them) violate normal protocol. They are quieted, marginalized, dismissed as impolite, and left to deal with their own awkwardness. Walls of separation go up between the “normal” and the “inappropriate.”

Jesus often walked through those walls. In the case of these blind men, he stopped and asked what they wanted from him. We don’t know whether their shouts annoyed him just as they annoyed his followers; we only know that any annoyance took a back seat to compassion. Jesus “felt sorry for them.” He saw the need behind the irritating racket. He apparently was not bothered by any awkwardness, lack of dignity, or breach of etiquette. He didn’t insist that they ask him nicely. They couldn’t see, and he had the power to restore sight, so he acted on his compassion and opened their eyes.

You may find that a lot of people in this world make you uncomfortable. The natural reaction in such cases is to distance yourself. But don’t be fooled. Behind the contentiousness, the stress, the egos, the rejection, the incivility, the anger and insults, and every other sign of human hearts gone wrong is a desperate need to encounter God’s goodness. You have both the calling and the capacity to give it to them. There is always something of his nature to share with those who long for his touch. Look beyond the annoyances and see the need. You have been given insight into human nature and know the hunger behind the masks so many of us wear. When necessary, cross the boundaries that limit your compassion and show it to those who are crying out for it.

{Lord, condition my heart to react with compassion rather than annoyance when people rub me the wrong way. Help me see their needs, and move me to speak and act with your compassion. Amen.