Sep 17 2008
On Asking the Right Person in the Right Way at the Right time for the Right Thing
For the answers, see Luke 18:35-43.
Two blind beggars, one named Bartimaeus, sitting outside of Jericho learn that Jesus was approaching. Both immediately cry out for mercy.
The Savior: “What do you want me to do for you?”
The sightless: “We want to see.”
Filled with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes, causing them to instantly reclaim their sight.
SIGNIFICANCE
● Of the sixteen healing events, involving some 26 people, only one is named, Bartimaeus.
● This is also the only New Testament miracle associated with the city of Jericho.
1. The most famous Old Testament miracle concerning Jericho occurred in Josh. 6:20 (the shouting down of Jericho’s walls).
2. The final Old Testament miracle concerning Jericho is recorded in 2 Kings 2:18-22 (the purifying of some poisoned water).
SPIRITUAL TRUTHS
● This marks Jesus’ final visit to Jericho. He will now leave for Jerusalem. (See Matt. 20:29.) Before this, he had told the story of a man who left Jerusalem for Jericho (the parable of the Good Samaritan—Luke 10:25-37). But now the original Good Samaritan would reverse the trip, leaving Jericho for Jerusalem, where he would soon “fall among thieves.”
● Note the spiritual insight of the blind beggar:
1. He asked the right person—“Jesus, thou Son of David.”
2. He asked in the right way—“Have mercy on me.”
It has been said that God will hush every harp in heaven to hear this kind of prayer!
3. He asked at the right time—“And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by” (Luke 18:36-37).
4. He asked for the right thing—“that I might regain my sight.”
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