Jesus Heals A Blind Man
Jesus is on a mission!
Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock Him, insult Him, spit on Him, flog Him and kill Him. On the third day He will rise again.” The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what He was talking about. (Luke 18:31-34)
Jesus Heals a Blind Man
35 Jesus came near the city of Jericho. There was a blind man sitting beside the road. He was begging people for money. 36 When he heard the people coming down the road, he asked, “What is happening?” 37 They told him, “Jesus, the one from Nazareth, is coming here.” 38 The blind man was excited and said, “Jesus, Son of David, please help me!” 39 The people who were in front leading the group criticized the blind man. They told him to be quiet. But he shouted more and more, “Son of David, please help me!” 40 Jesus stopped there and said, “Bring that man to me!” When he came close, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, I want to see again.” 42 Jesus said to him, “You can see now. You are healed because you believed.” 43 Then the man was able to see. He followed Jesus, thanking God. Everyone who saw this praised God for what happened.
Stages in Bartimaeus’ encounter with Jesus
1. His Blindness
Blindness is common in Jesus’ time
Blindness is a stigma – an undesirable condition
Blindness is also a spiritual condition
2 Corinthians 4:4
states that “The god of this age has blinded the minds of
unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel…”
2. His Belief
Bart didn’t address Jesus as somebody from Nazareth
Bart addressed Jesus as the Son of David – Messiah
3. His Boldness
Probably the city officials rebuked him
Bart was determined to grab his opportunity – he shouted all the more
Other examples: 10 lepers, Jabez, Jacob
Bart caught the attention of Jesus – He stopped
[endif]Jesus’ question and Bart’s request
What about us? [endif]
4. His Blessing
Spiritual principle – Jesus always responds to faith
Where are the “Barts” today? Where are the people full of faith?
Bart received his blessing – People were blessed too
Bart was transformed