| Photo by Center for Ageing Better on Unsplash
We see Jesus is beginning His journey to Jerusalem, where He will be crucified on the Cross and rise from death three days later. Jesus took this journey for you and me because sinners needed a Savior.
In Luke 18: 35-42, we see that as Jesus enters Jericho and a blind beggar is sitting beside the road. The blind beggar hears all the crowd’s commotion following Jesus and asks what is happening. They told him that Jesus was going by.
In verse 38, we see his response to the news that Jesus was coming by. “So he began shouting, “Jesus Son of David, have mercy on me.” Be quiet, the people in front of him yelled. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me.”
Why was this blind beggar shouting out to Jesus? Because he was desperate and knew this might be his only chance to be near Jesus. Desperate people will do desperate things! If you were in his condition and Jesus passed by, “What would you do?” Why would we not call out to Jesus when facing a desperate situation? When we realize that our only answer is Jesus, we will call out to Him. This blind beggar got the attention of Jesus.
In Luke 18: 40-42, we see the response of Jesus to the shouts of a blind beggar. “When Jesus heard him, He stopped and ordered the man be brought to Him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him. “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “I want to see.” And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.”
- The blind beggar shouts out in need of Jesus.
- Jesus stops because of the desperation of this blind beggar.
- The blind beggar comes to Jesus – and Jesus invites us to come to Him just as we are. “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
- Jesus asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?” What do we want Jesus to do for us?”
- The blind beggar says: “I want to see.” What do you need from Jesus today? “We have not because we ask not.”
Jesus says: “Your faith has healed you.” Instantly he could see. Jesus is still the miracle worker today, but do we have faith in Jesus that He can meet our needs?
Lord, help my faith to be like this blind beggar! There is no other answer but Jesus!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Pastor Ronald Squibb has been the Lead Senior Pastor of the International Christian Church (ICC) at Staten Island, New York, since 2011. He draws many experiences from his over 40 years as a pastor and significant emotional life experiences.
His new book, Following the Journey with Jesus, which he co-authored with Daniel McNaughton, was recently published and is getting rave reviews. His daily devotional appears in this publication.
