Luke 18:35-43
Luke 18:35-43
Throughout the gospels we repeatedly see the Pharisees and religious leaders misunderstanding Jesus—who God’s Messiah was and what he came to do. Contrary to that, the lowly and outcasts understand precisely who Jesus is, the Son of God who took on flesh.
In today’s example, we see another outcast giving two clear examples that all who encounter Jesus should follow. First, this man recognized Jesus for who he is. Second, he recognized his desperation and called out to Jesus for help.
This blind beggar saw Jesus for who he was. When he was told, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” he didn’t cry out, “Jesus of Nazareth, have mercy on me!” He cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” 2nd Samuel 7 records God’s Covenant with David. God promised David, “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” It’s that Messianic promise that the blind beggar ascribed to Jesus.
The blind man didn’t just understand that Jesus was the Messiah and waved as he passed. No, he cried out “all the more” for help. He was completely and utterly helpless—and he knew it. In Jesus’ previous encounters with the religious leaders, they completely failed to see their helplessness. By calling out to Jesus as the Messiah, this blind beggar provides the example that all of Israel should have been following. He saw the truth while so many others were blind to it.
As we seek to apply this passage, the simple thing would be to say, “See Jesus for who he is and call out to him in your desperation.” However, I think many of you reading this walk with the Lord in such a way that you understand your helplessness and your need to walk with Jesus daily. It’s not only the blind man whose example we should consider. What about the crowd?
Jesus neared Jericho. People chased after him. A blind man asked a question, and one of those followers told him about Jesus. The problem occurred when followers of Jesus positioned themselves between Christ and a desperate man. What’s worse, those followers told him to be silent. I don’t know about you, but that synopsis causes me a little concern. Have I ever been following Jesus in such a way that I prevented a desperate person from seeing the Savior, or worse, silenced them by my attitude or actions? What would this even look like?
I think this can take many forms, but a few quick examples might include:
Like the blind man, we must all cry out for Jesus. But, unlike the crowd, we must help people see him. Not only must we proclaim the Gospel, but we must protect our witness to a lost world. We must engage people with equal parts grace and truth (which is admittedly challenging). And most importantly, we must never fail to celebrate the miraculous saving power of Jesus.
By: Tyler Short
Throughout the gospels we repeatedly see the Pharisees and religious leaders misunderstanding Jesus—who God’s Messiah was and what he came to do. Contrary to that, the lowly and outcasts understand precisely who Jesus is, the Son of God who took on flesh.
In today’s example, we see another outcast giving two clear examples that all who encounter Jesus should follow. First, this man recognized Jesus for who he is. Second, he recognized his desperation and called out to Jesus for help.
This blind beggar saw Jesus for who he was. When he was told, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” he didn’t cry out, “Jesus of Nazareth, have mercy on me!” He cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” 2nd Samuel 7 records God’s Covenant with David. God promised David, “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” It’s that Messianic promise that the blind beggar ascribed to Jesus.
The blind man didn’t just understand that Jesus was the Messiah and waved as he passed. No, he cried out “all the more” for help. He was completely and utterly helpless—and he knew it. In Jesus’ previous encounters with the religious leaders, they completely failed to see their helplessness. By calling out to Jesus as the Messiah, this blind beggar provides the example that all of Israel should have been following. He saw the truth while so many others were blind to it.
As we seek to apply this passage, the simple thing would be to say, “See Jesus for who he is and call out to him in your desperation.” However, I think many of you reading this walk with the Lord in such a way that you understand your helplessness and your need to walk with Jesus daily. It’s not only the blind man whose example we should consider. What about the crowd?
Jesus neared Jericho. People chased after him. A blind man asked a question, and one of those followers told him about Jesus. The problem occurred when followers of Jesus positioned themselves between Christ and a desperate man. What’s worse, those followers told him to be silent. I don’t know about you, but that synopsis causes me a little concern. Have I ever been following Jesus in such a way that I prevented a desperate person from seeing the Savior, or worse, silenced them by my attitude or actions? What would this even look like?
I think this can take many forms, but a few quick examples might include:
- I love theology and apologetics, but I’ve found that it’s a lot easier to win an argument than to win a heart.
- Social media is a cesspool, not least of which are the “believers” heated exchanges with unbelievers.
- When our idols dominate our conversation, rather than Christ.
- Similarly, when we promote our political “saviors” over our actual Savior.
Like the blind man, we must all cry out for Jesus. But, unlike the crowd, we must help people see him. Not only must we proclaim the Gospel, but we must protect our witness to a lost world. We must engage people with equal parts grace and truth (which is admittedly challenging). And most importantly, we must never fail to celebrate the miraculous saving power of Jesus.
By: Tyler Short
1 Comment
Good word bro!