08/26/2026
Reflections on Luke 18: 35-43 - The Blind Beggar of Jericho
As Jesus approached Jericho
Yes, THAT Jericho from Joshua 5: 13-6:21. Joshua and God's people had just crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land when -Boom! - they faced the well-fortified city of Jericho. They had to rely on and trust God for them to be able to take it, even if it seemed to be impossible. Even if it seemed a strange plan. But the walls came a tumblin' down! Now, all these generations later, here is Jesus approaching that same gateway city into the Promised Land, on route to Jerusalem.
a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.
Blind, without sight. If you are able to see, can you imagine it? We've come a long way in the treatment of blindness, but in that day and time the only occupation open was exactly what this man was doing -begging. He chose the roadside into the city, which was now a grand Roman occupied royal city and trade center; a good spot with plenty of passersby. He was doing the best he could do, but there was nothing known that could change the fact that he was blind.
When he heard the crowd going by he asked what was happening.
He must have sensed this was something different from the usual hubbub of city traffic on the road. Also, he obviously wasn't so wrapped up in himself that he wasn't aware of his surroundings, as some folk can be. So, because he asked
They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."
Like a news headline - brief and to the point. Nothing more. Just Jesus of Nazareth. No doubt a name known to much of the crowd, with His reputation proceeding Him: an itinerant rabbi, some were even saying prophet, this teacher from Nazareth, in the backwater of Galilee. But this lowly soul by the roadside listened to the Spirit moving his heart. The words he called out in response were from deep within and little short of miraculous.
He called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
Not "Jesus of Nazareth", not "Rabbi", but the Messianic title "Jesus, Son of David"! Son of David. It's easy to lose the significance of those words today. The One who was to come and fulfill God's promise to David of an eternal lineage, with no end. From the road into Jericho, once the road into the Promised Land, comes the proclamation from a blind beggar that here is the King, the Son of David! Here was the One of whom he would not ask for mere alms, but for His mercy to be upon him. He asked His blessing of compassion.
Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet.
How tragically horrid that still too often some who purport to lead the way - in the church, in the community, in our cultures - are actually blocking The Way to Christ for those crying out for His mercy. Do you live where as a follower of the Son of David, Jesus the Christ, you're told to be quiet, maybe not even be allowed to mention His name? Or maybe when you're just among certain people, a particular crowd, you feel you can't speak, much less cry out, about who He is? Take courage and remember The Beggar of Jericho, whom Matthew tells us was named Bartimaeus. They tried to shut him up
but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
From crying out to shouting, refusing to be silent in His proclamation of who Jesus was and what he desperately wanted from Him. He didn't give up. He didn't cower on his mat and apologize. He bellowed! The result?
Jesus stopped...
O what precious two words! The lowly Beggar of Jericho brought the Messiah, Son of David, Son of the Living God, to a halt. And not only that,
and He ordered the man be brought to Him.
Jesus didn't ask, He didn't inquire into the man's credentials. He ordered, commanded, as the King He was, is and ever more shall be. I wonder if Bartimaeus was worried that he might be in for a stern telling off. Isn't that how some people feel when God calls? However,
When he came near, Jesus asked him...
He came, regardless, He came near, close enough for Jesus to speak to him face-to-face, personally. That's where Jesus wants us. Jesus didn't ask those who might have known the beggar personally what the guy wanted, why he had shouted at Him, what he might have needed. He spoke directly to him, as He longs to speak to us. Jesus asked him,
"What do you want Me to do for you?"
Jesus knew, but still He asks. It's a big question to be asked of us by the King of the Universe, but still He asks today. When we cry out to Him He's there, asking it of each of us personally. Put it in words. Yes, He already knows our every need, but put into words your heart's desire. Ask for what may seem to you the to the world to be, not just unlikely, but impossible. Trust that He IS God, and wants what is best for us, unworthy as we may be.
"Lord, I want to see," he replied.
There it was. Let the crowd scoff or laugh. He put his greatest dream, his biggest prayer into words. Do you? Do you pray Big Prayers to the One who is Bigger-Than-We-Can-Ever-Imagine? The Beggar of Jericho did.
Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you."
Not "you're healed yourself". But RECEIVE this gift from Me, Jesus. You know Me; you recognize Me even though blind and have had had barricades of opposition to reaching Me. Trust, have faith and receive my gift.
Go back and read 18: 1-8, the parable Jesus had recently told, about the nagging unnamed Widow His final question following the parable was, "However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" And remember the tax collector's prayer in the parable that follows, "God have mercy on me, a sinner." (18:13b) Do these point you to The Beggar of Jericho? He persistently cried out to the Messiah for mercy, and
Immediately he received his sight and...
Did he run off to tell his family, or to look for work with wages, or brag about how he, Bartimaeus, had brought it all about? No, he
followed Jesus, praising God.
He gave God the glory, He followed the One he knew was The One who could bring light into darkness, true sight instead of blindness. And, because of his witness
When all the people saw it, they also praised God.
What about us? DO we point to God, give Him the praise and show a witness to the people by following Him?
Are you calling for Jesus? Are you desperate for His mercy? Don't give up! You may not be able to see Him right now - The Blind Beggar of Jericho couldn't at first - but listen for His voice. Put words to your biggest need. He's giving you His full, personal attention right this moment. Receive the salvation He offers, follow Him, praise Him and - Alleluia! - you WILL see Him!
Amen! To God be the glory!
Pastor Emily