When the blind man sitting on the roadside heard it was Jesus passing by, he cried out, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” The crowd wanted to hush him up. If he had not been persistent and loud, he would have missed the opportunity of being healed.

Jesus knows all things. He knew this man could not see, yet Jesus still asks him what he wants. This may seem confusing. If God knows what we need even before we say a word, why did Jesus ask this question?

Could it be because He wants us to draw near to Him? To hear our voice and pleas from our lips? He wants us to be humble enough to call on the King of kings for help?

As a mother, I usually know what my daughter needs or wants, but I do not usually do it before she asks me. I like to hear her come close to me and interact with me. I even like her calling from the other room, “Mom! I need help!” Is it because I yearn to be needed? I do not think so. Any mother will tell you, after a while, we seek silence and uninterrupted time to ourselves, even as we do housework. The desire for this interaction between me and my child is the closeness it promotes.

Maybe Jesus wants the same. What do you think?

God bless you and your loved ones!

Meryem Kennedy