Jesus, Son of David, Have Mercy on Me

Luke 18:31-43

Key Verse 18:38

This passage teaches us how to overcome our spiritual blindness.

What is physical stems from what is spiritual. So spiritual blindness is more serious than physical blindness. How then can one overcome spiritual blindness?

1.   Think about the message Jesus began teaching to his disciples in verses 31-33. What do the following expressions in verse 34 tell us about the disciples? 1) The disciples did not understand; 2) Its meaning was hidden from them; and 3) they did not know what he was talking about. In what respect are many still like the disciples in the passage? Why is it necessary for every one to “understand” and “know” its meaning? 

** They were spiritually blind as to who Jesus is and what he came to do for men. They did not know how Jesus is going to save people from their sins. 

** Like the disciples some even know that Jesus is the Son of God. Like the disciples they know the power of Jesus to heal them or to make their business thrive. But they do not know that Jesus came to help them overcome the power of sin and death completely, and bless them to be a member of God’s kingdom. 

** Some are religious, some are not. But most of them, whether religious or nonreligious, remain in darkness, when they do not meet Jesus in person, and understand the real purpose for which God sent him, for under heaven there is no other name given to men than Jesus Christ by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 The bottom line is that it is only those who meet Jesus in person who can actually overcome the power of sin and participate in the blessings (such as the glory of resurrection etc.) found in Jesus.  

2. Verse 31 says, “Jesus took the Twelve aside and then told them…” What does this expression indicate about the way to help people understand and know the meaning of the gospel? 

** We can help people understand and know the meaning of the gospel by practically making disciples of them. Disciples are made not born. The word “took” or “aside” shows us that we need to keep them away from the world and its people, put them in Jesus’ sheep pen, and serve them as Jesus did, until they can understand and know Jesus and his purpose personally. Eventually they all became “witnesses” of Jesus’ sufferings, death, and resurrection. 

3. Read verses 35-39. In what respect was the blind man handicapped in meeting and knowing Jesus? Yet, how did he get Jesus’ attention?

** He was physically blind that he could not make his way to and follow Jesus as quickly as Jesus’ disciples. Plus people looked down on him, and pushed him aside, so he did not fit in.

** He did not lose time. He grabbed the chance in a split second, not wasting a minute or second. [We can do the same thing by making the most use of what the Lord has made available such as the time to read the Bible, the occasion for Bible studies or worship like daily bread morning time or Bible conferences.] 

He made the most use of what he had, that is, the ability to speak loud and even louder than all others. [We need to use all the resources to draw near to Jesus.]

He also developed one catch phrase, that is, “Have mercy on me.” He was good in seeking mercy from people.  

This time without a sense of shame whatsoever he shouted at the top of his lungs. 

4. Examine the way in which the blind man received sight in verses 40-43. What do the following statements teach us about the way to overcome our [spiritual] blindness? 

1) Jesus stopped…and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”

2) Lord, I want to see!

3) Your faith has healed you.

** One on one personal encounter is needed.

** One clear prayer topic is needed.

** Absolute faith that Jesus is merciful enough to grant what you need is needed. 

The end

 

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