A 5-day per week study.

May 14 – Reading Luke 18:25-43

Read and believe in Jesus.

“What do you want Me to do for you?”  Luke 18:41a

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The Gospel according to Luke 

Review – Jesus showed by His actions and conversations that those who were invited into the Kingdom of God were as trusting as little children, while those who thought they were well qualified (the rich young ruler) didn’t have what it takes.

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Vss. 18:35-43.

The setting is Jericho, the last stop east before turning west toward His final destination in Jerusalem. Jesus meets two needy men in this ancient (rebuilt) city: one needs physical sight, and one needs spiritual sight. Today, we’ll look at the first one.

A blind man sat at the roadside by the entrance of the city, begging for meager sustenance.

He became aware of a large crowd passing by, from the sounds and dust wafting his way. What could this mean? He stood up and asked what was happening, and was told that “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”

Everyone knew who Jesus of Nazareth was at this point. He was the great healer and teacher. Hope sprang up in the blind man’s heart. Hope AND faith.

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” he cried.

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The title ‘Son of David’ meant that this blind man understood who Jesus was. (Had he been among the crowds who heard John the Baptist preach and baptize?) Jesus was a teacher and healer, but this needy man also understood that Jesus was the promised Messiah. “Son of David” was the title of the savior of Israel.

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Those in front of the blind man told him to shut up, but he cried even louder, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!” He was desperate. He could NOT miss this opportunity. He HAD to meet Jesus.

Jesus heard his plea (prayer?) and stopped. Even in a large, noisy crowd, Jesus hears the sincere prayer for help. He asked for the blind man to be brought near.

When he stood before Jesus, the Messiah asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”

The blind man might have often practiced this request in hopes of someday seeing Jesus. It had been his constant prayer. “Lord, let me recover my sight.”

Then Jesus said those golden words. Seeing the blind man’s faith, He said, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.“

Oh, GLORY! The formerly blind man could instantly SEE. Joyfully, he followed Jesus, praising and glorifying God. His joy and praise spread, and soon all the people were praising God.

(This is the crowd and the rejoicing that enticed Zacchaeus (inside the city) to climb a tree and see what was happening. Tomorrow.)

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(Daily, the blind man asked people for help. A few meager coins were his reward. Then he heard the good news about Jesus, the Messiah, and he believed. He struggled to meet his Lord personally and finally did. When he asked Jesus for help to SEE again, the Savior saw his faith and opened his eyes.

LORD, help me to always look to YOU for my needs (my daily bread), and not to people and institutions around me. You alone have the power. And You love me.)