Listening to the Needs (B.L.E.S.S.)

Today’s reading is out of Matthew 20:30-34. Begin today’s devotion by reading this passage in your Bible.

René Laënnec, the inventor of the stethoscope, once said to a group of doctors, “Listen to your patients—they are telling you how to heal them.” The same is true for you and me when it comes to meeting people’s needs. We often think that serving and evangelism begin with us speaking first and bringing our ideas. But what if we learned to begin with listening? Jesus was notorious for leading with questions when He met people, and for taking the time to truly listen, asking what they wanted, even though He certainly knew the answer.

Consider these five “missional practices” (that form the acronym B.L.E.S.S.) that can help us develop a rhythm of listening to and serving people. These are simple enough that anyone can do them–and you could even pick one each day to carry out! They’re meant to reflect the practices and rhythms we see in Jesus’ life, like in this story of two blind men on the roadside.

1. Belong — learn to see where God placed you currently (your street, neighborhood, school, workplace, etc.) as your mission field; focus on belonging there and praying for God to show you where He’s at work.
2. Listen — ask questions of the people around you so you can discover their needs, hurts, values, celebrations, etc.
3. Eat — share meals (or coffees) with people to build relationships and trust
4. Serve — as you’re listening and eating with people, you’ll discover ways you can serve them, and be the hands and feet of Jesus in tangible ways for them.
5. Story — listening, building relationships, and serving opens the door for
   opportunities to share your God stories.

Let’s read again this beautiful story of Jesus living out these principles and reflect on how we can do the same.

Matthew 20:30-34 30 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”32 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 33 “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” 34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Reflect

1. Jesus was obviously on His way somewhere before He got interrupted by these guys. Why do you think He stopped for them?
2. If Jesus already knew they were blind, why do you think He asked them what they wanted instead of just healing them?
3. Which of the B.L.E.S.S. practices come easiest/most natural for you? Which one(s) will be the most challenging for you? Why?
4. What would you say right now are a few of the top needs of the people around you? What ways come to mind that God could use you to meet those needs?

Act

• Try putting B.L.E.S.S. into practice this week! Pray first, then choose someone God brings to mind to invite out to eat with, and listen to, and see how God leads the conversation and what He might bring out of it.
• Based on what you’ve heard/seen already within your neighborhood/workplace/school (pick one), take some time to write out the answers to these questions: What do they celebrate? What do they care deeply about? Where are they hurting? What do they need most?
• Get to know a few of your neighbors this week. Find out their kids’ names, hobbies and interests, and their favorite restaurant. Remember, your neighbor is everyone you interact with and not just the person who lives next door.

Pray

Lord Jesus, open our eyes and ears and teach us to see the people around us the way You saw people, to notice those that we normally pass by, to learn to listen to needs and what’s really going on in people’s hearts. Show us how we can be Your hands and feet in the places You’ve put us. Thank You for including us in Your mission to reach this
world with the grace of God. Amen.