Jesus of Nazareth is passing by
Lk. 18:37
As Jesus was approaching Jericho, the people must have been moving about the streets in anticipation of His coming; a blind beggar became curious as to what the bustle was all about. He asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” Then, he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” The people sternly told him to quiet down, but he shouted all the more.
Jesus then heard him and asked he be brought to Him. He asked the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man promptly answered, “Lord, let me see again,” and he immediately could see again.
Several things came to mind as I read this:
- Do we still call upon the LORD today with much hope and faith? The blind man did not see Jesus, but he heard about His coming and shouted at the top of his voice asking for help. People tried to silence him, but he shouted even more. Do we cry out to the LORD for help today with much hope and faith?
- The blind man knew he was blind and knew he needed to see again. When Jesus asked him what he wanted, he promptly answered, “I want to see again.” Do we know what we really need today? Aren’t we just keeping ourselves busy and burdening ourselves with the things we want and desire, and not with the things we need? What do we really need today?
- When the blind man could see, he praised the LORD and followed Him. Have you ever thought about all the blessings in your life? Have you counted them one by one? Have you been praising the LORD for all the blessing in your life? The blind man knew it was Jesus who healed him. Do we?
- When the blind man was healed, “all the people… praised God” (Lk. 18:43). Do others praise the LORD for our blessings? Do we live our lives in such a way that when we receive blessings, others are also glad of our blessings? On the other hand, do we still praise the LORD for the blessings of others? Many of us tend to become sad and envious when others become prosper.
- Today, Jesus of Nazareth still passes by. He knows our prayers and our sufferings. He still asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” How would we answer? What do we need?
