Knowing The Word in Luke 18:35-43, Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar

Jericho, a city 700’ below sea level, is on the road to Jerusalem. Jesus’ reputation has preceded him as a blind man knows who he is. He calls Jesus “Son of David,” which is a messianic title. Jesus does not run away from it but embraces the man’s request, showing he fully accepts his messianic destiny as he approaches Jerusalem. Like the persistent widow, the blind man cries out for mercy. Mercy for the blind man means recovery of his sight. He knows what he is missing and longs for its restoration, and he believes Jesus can do it. By saying his faith has made him well, Jesus does not mean the man’s faith created the cure, but that faith was the means by which he received it. There is no longer a command to keep the miracle a secret. Now everything is in the open as more and more people are following Jesus as he approaches Jerusalem.

35 As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” 42 And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Prayer: We beseech thee, Master, to be our helper and protector. Save the afflicted among us; have mercy on the lowly; raise up the fallen; appear to the needy; heal the ungodly; restore the wanderers of thy people; feed the hungry; ransom our prisoners; raise up the sick; comfort the faint-hearted.

Clement of Rome, 1st century