This passage tells the story of a blind and unemployed beggar standing alone in a crowd. Those around him fail to understand the depth of his needs, and quickly dismiss him telling him to stay quiet. The blind man faithfully and insistently (in Jesus’ presence) shouts his prayer even louder, “Jesus have mercy on me!” Jesus immediately stops. He calls the man closer, and asks, “What can I do for you?” The man replies, “Lord, let me recover my sight!” Jesus restores him.

This miracle glorifies Jesus as our graceful savior on His mission to spiritually restore us. Let His glory inspire all of us to take immediate action!

[Luke 18.35-43]

35 As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” 42 And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ God restores us when we ask him to.

+ We must pray like the beggar, fervently and faithfully.

+ If the Lord asked, "What do you want me to do for you?" What would I answer?

+ God understands our deepest needs and desires, as shown through this interaction.

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Do I treat those who are impoverished, suffering, or disabled as respectfully as Jesus is demonstrating in this passage?

+ Like the beggar, is there something I need to call out to Jesus today?

+ Do my words and actions reflect my faithfulness?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who can I invite to a Sunday gathering?

+ Unlike the crowd, am I encouraging others in their spiritual growth?

+ Am I praying for any non-believers?