The Jews were called to live according to God's laws rather than the pagan culture of the society in which they were living. King Antiochus had commanded that all should have the same customs. But some were attracted to this culture, and even removed the mark of circumcision, sacrificed to idols, and profaned the sabbath. The altar was desecrated, and the books of the law were destroyed. Yet there were Jews who were faithful to the Lord and refused to profane the holy covenant. They paid for their faithfulness to God with their lives. Are we willing to be set apart to follow God's way? Can we say 'no' to the temptations of our culture?

The blind man knew what he wanted, and he wasn't going to let anyone silence him. He got his desire - Jesus did have mercy on him. This interaction between Jesus and the blind man contains a good lesson for all of us. Jesus did not assume that he knew what the blind man wanted; instead, he asked him what he wanted Jesus to do. Sometimes we think that we know what is best for someone else and we rush in to help without even asking what is needed. But there is another important lesson here: Jesus stated that it was the man's faith that healed him. Faith is powerful.