Day 18 of 24

Today's passage: Luke 18 

Today's focus: vs. 35-43 Author: David Craft

Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar

“A blind man was sitting by the roadside begging…” Just as we see in modern times beggars were often found along roads near cities, a place that allowed them access to heavy traffic to ask for support. In normal fashion, the blind man asks what is causing all the commotion around him. He receives a response “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Let's examine the blind man's response:

1. The blind man addresses Jesus as “Son of David”

2. The blind man asks for Jesus to “have mercy” on him, and then asked for physical healing of his eyes

3. The blind man immediately recovered and followed Jesus, glorifying God

Let’s also examine Jesus’ response:

4. Jesus stopped and commanded the blind man be brought to him

5. Jesus asked what the blind man needed from him

6. Jesus healed the blind man’s sight and credited his faith

What can we learn from this brief interaction?

From the blind man:

1. The blind man understood Jesus was the Messiah (Son of David) - Isaiah 11:1-3 

1. The blind man new and trusted that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah

2. The blind man asked the Messiah for mercy first and healing second

1. The blind man understood Mercy was needed over his physical burden

3. Jesus answered his request and the blind man responded with glorification and following of Jesus (worship!)

1. This response was immediate and led to others giving praise to God due to the blind man’s testimony and faithfulness

From Jesus:

4. Jesus listened to those in need, he even brought this blind man to him

5. Jesus asked how he could meet this man’s needs, following the commandments we see in Leviticus to care for the poor  - Leviticus 25:35-38

6. Jesus met the physical needs of the man, this was done due to the faithfulness this blind man had in Jesus being the Son of David

1. The man was not healed due to righteousness, but through faith alone 

Takeaway: Our faith in who Jesus is needs to mirror that of this blind man. We must seek His mercy and follow Him, giving God all glory. The blind man did not witness any of the other miracles that Jesus did, he acted through faith alone and was healed through that faith.