This week Greg explores the theme of spiritual blindness and the transformative power of encountering Jesus, as illustrated in Matthew 20:29-34. The passage describes two blind men who, upon hearing that Jesus is passing by, cry out for mercy. Despite being rebuked by the crowd, they persist, and Jesus, moved by compassion, restores their sight. This physical healing serves as a metaphor for the spiritual sight that Jesus offers to all who recognize their need for Him.

Key Themes:

Spiritual Blindness vs. Physical Blindness:

• Greg draws a parallel between physical blindness and spiritual blindness, emphasizing that many people are blind to the truth of their own brokenness and their need for Jesus. He challenges the congregation to consider how they might be blind to the truth in their own lives.

Desperation and Persistence:

• The blind men’s desperation and persistence in calling out to Jesus highlight the importance of recognizing our need for Him. Greg notes that desperation often leads people to seek Jesus, as seen in the growing spiritual hunger among younger generations.

Jesus’ Compassion and Power:

• Jesus’ response to the blind men’s plea demonstrates His compassion and power to heal. Greg encourages the congregation to reflect on what they would ask Jesus if He were standing before them, emphasizing that Jesus is capable of meeting our deepest needs.

Following Jesus:

• After receiving their sight, the blind men immediately follow Jesus, illustrating that true sight leads to discipleship. Greg urges the congregation to not only seek what Jesus can do for them but to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Small Group Discussion Questions:

Reflect on Blindness:

• How do you relate to the concept of spiritual blindness in your own life? Are there areas where you feel you might be blind to the truth?
• Have you ever experienced a moment of realization where you saw something clearly for the first time? What was that experience like?

Desperation and Seeking Jesus:

• In what ways do you see desperation leading people to seek Jesus today? How can we cultivate a sense of spiritual desperation in our own lives?
• How do you respond when you feel desperate or hopeless? Do you turn to Jesus, or do you find yourself seeking other solutions?

Jesus’ Question:

• If Jesus were to ask you, "What do you want me to do for you?" how would you respond? What does your answer reveal about your understanding of who Jesus is?
• Are there things you are hesitant to ask Jesus for? Why do you think that is?

Following Jesus:

• What does it mean to you to follow Jesus? How does receiving spiritual sight change the way you live your life?
• How can we support each other in our small group to follow Jesus more closely?

Application:

• What steps can you take this week to address areas of spiritual blindness in your life?
• How can you be more aware of the spiritual needs of those around you and respond with compassion, as Jesus did?

This sermon challenges us to examine our spiritual sight and encourages us to seek Jesus with desperation and persistence, trusting in His power to heal and transform our lives. As we reflect on these themes, may we be inspired to follow Jesus more closely and to help others encounter His love and grace.