Jesus was the most intentional person who ever lived. Everything He did was with purpose and on purpose. He ministered to many different people, met each person where they were, and each one who trusted in Him left changed by His power and grace. Truly, there is no one like Jesus.
In John chapter nine, Jesus was walking with His disciples and saw a man who had been blind from birth. Jesus stoops to the ground, begins to spit in the mud, and make a mud ball. He then takes the mud, puts it on the man’s eyes and tells him to go and wash. The man leaves, washes his eyes, and was miraculously healed. The man would later place his faith and trust in Jesus and follow Him.
As I read this story, I asked, “Why did Jesus do this? Why didn’t He just heal the man? Why the mud balls?” As I have reflected on the story, a few things stood out to me that have impacted my life.
First, Jesus saw the man. This blind man was a beggar and people “saw” and passed him every day. Jesus saw him differently and He ministered to him. It reminds me that we will never minister to people we do not see. Jesus saw what others did not, and that created some amazing ministry opportunities.
Second, Jesus’ disciples were with Him and He never missed an opportunity to teach them.
Jesus said, “This man has been born blind that the works of God might be displayed in his life.”
This man was not blind because he or someone else sinned, but rather that God might receive glory through his life. This is such a powerful reality. All of our suffering has a purpose. We can either allow our suffering to cause us to run to or from God. If we turn to God, He will take our pain and use it for something greater. This blind man’s life mattered and God used it for incredible things.
Third, it had to be a little awkward when Jesus made mud with His saliva. The Son of God was on His hands and knees spitting into His hand. The disciples had to be wondering what he was doing, along with the blind man. While we are not exactly sure why Jesus did this, one thing is sure, His hands got dirty as He made the mud balls. While there are many applications here, this is true: if you want to reach people, you have to be willing to get your hands dirty. Jesus was never afraid to touch the leper, paralyzed, sick, hurting, poor, desperate, etc. Jesus models for us how to love and care for people.
It is hard to get involved in people’s lives, but if we want to reach them we have to be willing to be like Jesus and get our hands dirty.
This week, make sure and see people. Look for opportunities to minister. Be willing to get your hands dirty. Be like Jesus.
See you next week.
