Which Role?

On that particular day there was a big crowd on the move. The self-appointed leaders told everyone along the way what to do, how to do it, when to do it. In the middle of the crowd was the Man of the Hour and they were very intent on keeping him moving. They had no time for delays or distractions. So, when a beggar on the side of the road asked what was happening, the leaders were frustrated and upset when others told him Jesus was in the crowd.

Naturally, the blind beggar became very excited, called out for attention, called out for mercy.

Naturally, the leaders told him to shut-up and go away.

Naturally the Man of the Hour stopped the entire enterprise and asked him a simple question,

"What do you want me to do for you?"

The blind beggar stated his desire, it was granted, he was told his faith made him well, and he joined the big, rejoicing crowd moving towards Jerusalem.

Scripture always invites us to take a role. Would we be in the crowd relying on others to tell us what to think and how to act? Would we be the self-appointed leader deciding who's in and who's out? Maybe we would be the desperate person in need of healing. Possibly, too, we might try to imitate the Man of the Hour helping, healing, saving.

The crowd played follow the leader. The wanna-be leaders tried and failed to contain Jesus, the true leader. The blind beggar defied commands to cease and desist as he pled for mercy. It was very clear what he needed, but the Jesus respected him enough to ask,

 "What do you want me to do for you?"

We play every role in this story from Luke. We hide in the crowd protecting the best kept secret ever. We try to direct how, when, and where God works. We cry out for salvation. We offer help, healing, and safety.

The crowd kept moving towards Jerusalem. They didn't understand the journey, Jesus, or the destination itself. They didn't understand why Jesus stopped or the question he asked. The man with new vision certainly didn't understand any of this, either. He only knew he'd been respected and healed.

What crowd are we moving within? Who's in charge? Where are we headed? Is Jesus free to move and act?

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 (Luke 18:35-43, The Message)