“Keys to Kingdom Understanding”
Matthew 20:17-34
“So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ They said to Him, ‘Lord, that our eyes may be opened.’ So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.” [Matthew 20:32-34]
Compassion is truly a gift from God and one of the keys to Kingdom understanding. It is a spiritual work that begins to move us from self-centeredness to others-centeredness. And that is a good thing. It is a sign that we are growing and moving in the right direction.
But compassion, notice, involves doing, it is not just feeling and emotion. “Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes.” Notice, too, that before He healed them, He listened to them, He was available for these men, and that was amid knowing that the Cross soon awaited Him. Jesus was the ultimate example of others-centeredness, and it was because of His compassion.
Also notice the context of the healing was amid the bickering and infighting between the Twelve regarding their position in the Kingdom. I mean, can it get any more frustrating?
Jesus had just taught them that the way up is down in the Kingdom, and that the greatest are the humble. And yet, they still lacked understanding. Within that self-seeking environment “Jesus showed compassion and touched the eyes of the blind and healed them. And “immediately" they received their sight.
Compassion is the catalyst for serving and serving unlocks Kingdom understanding and living. It is an interesting progression to observe, and it begins with a step of faith.
Therefore, the next time you feel compassion toward someone, by faith act on that emotion and find a way to serve them. Then see if things start to change and make sense to you. I think they will. Take a step of faith and try it and see.
