I love reading and studying the Bible. Sometimes when I read certain passages - something that I've read over and over again suddenly it's like reading it for the very first time. This has happened a couple of times lately as I've been reading through the book of Luke. That is why the Bible is so wonderful to me. I learn something new almost every time I study.
Luke records the healing of a blind man in Chapter 18. Now like you, I've heard this story a few times over the years. Usually, when I hear it I think of the power Jesus had to heal those who afflicted and of the compassion he had for others. Sometimes, I think of the power He had to forgive sin and how the Pharisees just couldn't stand that.
This time though, as I read through chapters 17 and 18 other things got my attention. First of all we read in 17:11 that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. As we continue to read, we understand that this trip was the last one He would take before His death.
Yet think of the things He did on His way there. He heals the ten lepers and only one is thankful. (Luke 17:12-19) How sad that must have made Him. Do you think the cross entered His mind at that point? Only one leper turned back to thank Jesus for curing him of this terrible disease. Perhaps this reminded Jesus of how few would follow Him -- how few would take advantage of His ultimate sacrifice.
And yes, the Pharisees are right there. They asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come. He told them the kingdom would not come in ways that could be observed. Jesus said it would not be something they could look at and say - "There it is." He went on to tell them the kingdom of God was in the midst of them or within them. Even now, the people are thinking of the kingdom of God as something material, physical - earthly. They didn't understand God's kingdom was a spiritual one.
Jesus goes on to tell the disciples He will suffer many things and be rejected of His generation. (17:25) Then in verses 26 through the end of the chapter in verse 37, Jesus describes what it will be like on judgment day.
Chapter 18 is full of substance as Christ tells the parable of the widow seeking justice from a judge who did not fear God or respect man. This parable is given to teach the importance of prayer. Then Christ told the parable of the publican and the Pharisee - a wonderful lesson the importance of humility that still rings true today.
Jesus allows the little children to come to Him. Perhaps they gave Him some comfort in the face of His impending crucifixion. Then the rich young ruler comes to Jesus. And Christ asked him to give up what was most precious to him. The young ruler went away sorrowful.
Jesus tells His disciples that it is hard for a rich man to enter heaven. It is hard for them to comprehend this; but then Christ says with God all things are possible. Again, so many to be learned from these scriptures. Peter reminds the Lord that they have left all to follow Him. In Luke 18:28-30 Christ assures Peter that he and all those who live for Him will be rewarded.
Then in verses 31 through 34, he pulls the 12 apostles aside to tell them again about His crucifixion and His resurrection. Verse 34 explains the apostles didn't understand what Christ was telling them. They couldn't grasp it.
Here is where we finally get to the blind man at the side of the road. Mark tells us his name is Bartimaeus. He (the blind man) hears a commotion going on and asked the crowd what is happening. They told him Jesus was passing by. Now the blind man had obviously heard of Jesus, because he immediately begins to cry out begging for mercy. The crowd tries to hush him up.
I have always wondered why the crowd wanted the blind man to be quiet. Perhaps it was the same reason that the disciples didn't want the people to bring the little children to Jesus. Perhaps they thought Jesus was too important to be bothered by some poor blind man. This group is on the way to Jerusalem after all. In some ways it seems that they are on a victory march. They may have felt like because very soon we read of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
Another thought is that perhaps the Pharisees in the crowd didn't like the blind man or men (as Matthew records there were actually two blind men present) calling Jesus the Son of David. This phrase indicated that Bartimaeus' believed Jesus to be the Messiah. He has heard of Jesus and the great things He has. Bartimaeus is convinced that the Son of God is passing by. And he refuses to be quiet. He has to get the Lord's attention. This is his chance to be healed. Can you imagine his desperation as he continues to cry out for Jesus thinking that perhaps he will not be heard? The scriptures say that when they tried to hush him, he cried out all the more begging for mercy from the Son of David. The blind man knew who Jesus was and what He could do.
Persistence pays off because Jesus hear his pleas. Jesus stops and asks that the man be brought to Him. He asks Bartimaeus, "What do you want me to do for you?" We all know the rest of the story. The blind man receives his sight and all the people glorify God.
This is indeed a beautiful story. And yes, I took a long time getting to it; but I felt it was important to go through part of this because understanding the background information is what helped me see the story from a different perspective this time.
Here Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem to "suffer many things" and "be rejected of men." He tries to tell his special friends, the apostles what He is facing, but they don't understand Him. He has healed 10 lepers, had the children brought to Him, the rich young ruler has rejected Him and all along the way He is still trying to teach of forgiveness, of the kingdom of God, of faith as a grain of mustard seed, and of rewarding the faithful.
He knows these are among the last few days of His life. I can't begin to imagine all the different things the Lord has on His mind right now. The crowds are all around Him and seemingly no quiet time to deal with His thoughts. Yet, He
has still not ceased to teach and reach as many people as He can.
Then he passes by Bartimaeus and hears him cry out. The crowed is probably heavy all around Him; but He hears this poor blind man. And He stops -- He stops. He takes the time to stop for someone who needs Him; someone who is begging for His help. Jesus heard his cry for mercy. He took the time to see and speak to and heal this man. Not only does Bartimaeus receive his sight; but Jesus also forgives him for his sins.
See with Jesus - no one is outside of His hearing. No one is overlooked or left out -- not me - not you and not the poor blind man on the side of the road that day. He was worthy of Christ's attention. So are we.
Jesus will take the time to hear your cries. He will make your life whole and heal your sin-sick soul; but only if you call for Him. Will you take the time to obey Jesus and live for Him?
Christ above all things,
Robin
No comments:
Post a Comment