David Parks Letter

I was reflecting on Matthew 20 this week and came across a familiar passage that seemed to strike a new chord with me. I have read these passages many times before but in this season I sensed the Lord leading me to share these thoughts with you in hopes that it will encourage and inspire your personal walk with Christ and ministry year ahead.

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

In this passage I notice three amazing actions by Jesus that challenge me greatly.

1. Jesus stopped. While everyone else rebuked these two men who were in obvious distress, Jesus stopped to pay attention to them. This challenges me to ask a simple question…Am I stopping enough in my life to acknowledge those in need around me?

2. Jesus asked a question. This amazes me! In verse 32 right after he “ stops” he asks, “what do you want me to do for you?” My first thought is this, “ Jesus, isn’t it obvious, these guys are blind!?!?”. This is remarkable…even though Jesus knew exactly what they needed, he still had enough humility and respect for these men to not assume that he knew what they needed. He simply asked them what they wanted. Again a great challenge comes from this verse to me…Am I asking people how I can help them or do I come in with my own agenda of what I believe they need?

3. Jesus had compassion. Finally, once Jesus heard their need and could tell they were sincerely looking to him for healing, he identified with their pain and healed them. The challenge for me here is this…”Do I see people as Jesus sees them? And do I respond in a way that identifies with their struggle and do I seek to meet their needs?

As we get ready for an incredible year, I will be praying God will show you and I how to respond to the coaches and athletes we serve as Jesus did here in this passage. Thanks for letting me share a bit of my heart with you today and know that I am praying for you, your families and your ministries and look forward to serving alongside you in 2020!

Sincerely,
Dave Parks

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