A Blind Beggar

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: Luke 18:35-43

35 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. 36 When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. 38 So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 “Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “I want to see!” 42 And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” 43 Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too. (Luke 18:35-43 NLT)

When the blind man heard the noise of the crowd passing by and realized that Jesus of Nazareth was at the center of the crowd, he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” He was not merely calling for the attention of a celebrity to try and get money, he was acknowledging Jesus’ reputation as a healer and as the long-awaited Messiah. He was asking for divine intervention!

Jesus heard him and had him brought near. Then he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” That’s a legitimate question, friends, both for him and for us! Are you resigned to begging and blindness, or do you desire more—a miraculous breakthrough? What’s your level of faith expectation?

He cried out, “Lord, I want to see!” Jesus felt compassion for him and touched his eyes. Instantly he could see and he jumped up and followed Jesus! He set his faith expectation high and he asked for the thing he wanted and needed most! We too must be clear on what we want Jesus to do for us!

If Jesus asked you today, “What do you want me to do for you?”, what’s your faith expectation? Aim high, friends! Tell him what you want and need the very most. Jesus still has compassion and he still has the power!

Prayer:

Father, Help my friends and me to aim high, to set our faith expectation on what we want and need most. Help us to pray big, honest, expectant prayers. We believe, Father, please help us with our doubts! In Jesus’ Name!