Believing is Seeing
(Read Luke 18:35-43)
Jesus performed many miracles during his relatively short life on earth. Many of them included the healing of people suffering from physical, spiritual, and emotional illnesses. Regardless of nature the miracles, they all resulted in the installation of faith in the cured.
“As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
This miracle is a lesson all about pure faith. The blind man from Jericho knew nothing but blindness his entire life. The only things he knew were a result of what people told him. Yet when he heard that “Jesus of Nazareth” was nearby, his faith took over. The threat of public ridicule and even punishment gave way to his insistent calls for Jesus to heal him. His insistence for a relationship with Jesus grew bolder the more people wanted him to stop.
“… He shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus gave this man his sight not because he deserved it, but because of his faith. Nothing other than his faith healed him. The blind man pleaded for his sight because he knew Jesus could heal him. More likely, his faith that Jesus is Lord, meant that Jesus would heal him. This faith gave him the boldness to call out to Jesus despite his lowly position in society as a blind beggar and the confidence to “know” his faith in Jesus would heal him.
“Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.” Not only did the blind man receive his sight, but the miracle gave God public glory and praise.
Application:
- Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” No one embodied this more than this poor man from Jericho.
- The blind man could easily have lived his life in pity feeling sorry for himself, but he chose to believe not in miracles, but in the all-powerful living God and Savior.
- Given the opportunity to go away, the beggar chose to follow his faith and grow closer with Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- We will face low points in our life. We will face challenges. During these times, will you give up control and put your full faith in Christ?
- When it’s uncomfortable or awkward, where does your faith go? Does it go to your roots or do you turn to what’s more comfortable?
- Do you believe that Christ is Your Lord?
Where else in your life can you live out the teachings of Christ? Look for next week’s Devotion.