Verses 31-34 This is the third time Jesus forecasts his own death. They are nearing Jerusalem when Jesus says God will fulfill everything the Old Testament prophets predicted concerning the Messiah. This is a warning for them, so they are less surprised later. The enemy will hand Jesus over to the unbelieving Romans (Gentiles). They would mock him, spit on him (Isaiah 50:6), beat him, and kill him.
Do you believe Jesus?
Long ago, the Spirit of Jesus told Old Testament prophets about his own birth, death, and the glory that would follow. Those prophecies written in the Word of God proved true.
Every word in the Bible points to Jesus and finds its rest and full accomplishment in his birth, death, and resurrection.
Do you believe Jesus is the rest you’re looking for?
A bloody cross holds so much honor today because Jesus submitted himself to anything that fulfilled scripture, even to the point of death. His suffering satisfied God’s Justice for our sin.
As unbelievable as all that seems, the last part of what Jesus had to say was even more confusing: he would rise on the third day. The disciples couldn’t understand how the Messiah could die in a city where he was to be enthroned.
When Jesus speaks of his impending suffering, he always closes with his resurrection. Death is not the last chapter in his story. Resurrection has the final say.
Do you believe Jesus when he says resurrection has the final say?
A Narrow View of Glory
This is all very contrary to what the disciples wanted to believe about their Messiah and his kingdom. They had their minds set on how Jesus would accomplish great things and couldn’t wrap their minds around the literal horror he spoke about. It was impossible to reconcile the image of the Messiah’s glory and honor with the devastating details of this disgraceful death.
The disciples were so set on the prophecies that spoke of the Messiah’s glory that they overlooked anything that spoke of his suffering.
A closed mind can never see the reality of Jesus’ words.
The disciples would need the Holy Spirit to provide clarity to these sayings.
Cherry-Picking Scripture
We are in danger of being short-sighted as well when we read parts of the Bible, but not the whole.
We might read about God’s blessings and provisions, but skip scriptures about obedience and discipline. And so we are apt to hear a prosperity gospel instead of the holiness of the gospel.
Do you believe Jesus is Holy?
Some might have their expectations raised for all their desires to be met because they read somewhere that God gives us the desires of our hearts.
We might accuse God when it seems like He is not holding up His word.
Do you believe Jesus upholds his Word?
Like the disciples, we might focus on the Church’s glory in its latter days, leaving us scratching our heads at the present-day sufferings, persecution, and trials. Even though Jesus plainly said that in order for anyone to enter the kingdom of God, they must go through many tribulations.
Jesus Gives Sight To The Blind
Verses 35-39 This miracle might be the same one told in Mark 10:46 and Matthew 20:30. As Jesus and the disciples approach Jericho, a blind beggar sits by the road. He really resembles the world that is blind and poor before a touch from Jesus. He hears the commotion in the crowd passing by and asks what all the noise is about.
They tell him it’s Jesus of Nazareth passing by.
When the blind beggar heard this, he didn’t let the opportunity pass him by. He cries out for mercy. This poor man believes Jesus is more than just a Nazarene. He calls him the “Son of David,” the Messiah promised. Savior, Healer, Merciful One. The blind beggar’s faith is on full display. He called out to Him with a request for mercy, healing, and saving.
Do you believe Jesus is our Savior and Healer?
In our time of need, it’s important to know Jesus by name in his character attributes. When we need mercy, we call out to the Merciful One. When we need healing, He is our Healer. If it’s protection we’re crying out for, He is our Shield. As our Shepherd, He will find us, lead, and guide us (his sheep). As Almighty God, he will vindicate our wrongs and do the impossible. If we need saving, He is our Savior.
When we use our belief in who Jesus is, He responds to our faith.
This beggar is so sincere about his conviction of who Jesus is. He doesn’t care about the crowd trying to silence him. He kept crying out. Jesus, his gateway to healing and full restoration, was near.
Do you believe Jesus is your gateway to all things?
How desperate are we for Jesus to intervene in our circumstances? Do we let our spiritual brokenness, emotional pain, or physical aches go on when Jesus is so near? Do we let the crowd or bystanders determine how we approach Jesus in our time of need? Are we willing to call out in prayer for the deep convictions of Jesus’ mercy, favor, and blessings in our lives regardless of the criticism, rebukes, or opposition we might face?
Do we believe Jesus holds power over our circumstances?
When my family feels the weight of spiritual attacks, we get out essential oils and anoint the house. Toting a ladder and oil around the house, we dab a few drops in our hands and wipe the oil over every window frame as we pray out loud for Jesus’ blood to cover the hearts in our home from the enemy’s attacks. Armed with scriptures, we demand in the name of Jesus that Satan and his tribe must flee.
Sometimes the biggest obstacle of opposition we need to get past is the sound of our own voices echoing through the empty hallways. We must fight fear and the inner criticism that says this is “stupid” or silly. We are not alone. Jesus is listening.
Do you believe Jesus can do what he says he can do for you?
When we hear this inner criticism, whether we’re alone or with others, it means our focus is on the audience and not on the One, who is Jesus. We’ve got to narrow our thoughts to an audience of one, only Jesus. When all we see is Jesus, the Holy Spirit girds us with the strength to rise above the crowd and call out to Jesus in our time of need.
When we display this kind of faith in front of our kids, the Holy Spirit plants the seed of belief in them.
Verses 40-43 Jesus had plans to walk right on by, but he stopped when he heard the cry of faith. Jesus didn’t need to ask the blind man what he wanted, but Jesus wanted everyone to hear it. With the man’s verbal request and full belief that the Messiah could heal, Jesus instantly restored this man’s sight.
When Jesus heals the body, He heals the soul.
As soon as he could see, this man became a disciple of Jesus, following him and glorifying him. This should be our natural response to the work of God in our lives. And the people who witness the miracles in our lives will also give God praise.
Prayer
Jesus, I believe you are my Savior, Messiah, Healer, my Provider, Shepherd, Comforter, my Almighty God, and Merciful One. You are my sacrifice and Grace. When I think about the obedience you displayed on the cross, I am in awe. You did that for me, for my sin. Help me grasp the gravity of your sacrifice and understand the spiritual things within your kingdom. I don’t want to be short-sighted and get caught up in the prosperity gospel that I miss the responsibility of obedience and discipline in my life. Show me the obstacles in my life that hinder my understanding. Holy Spirit, reveal deep things to me. (Daniel 2:22)
Jesus, you hold blood-soaked mercy for me and grant me power and strength to stand up to the surrounding temptations. Open my eyes from this spiritual blindness, Lord. Heal the aches of my heart that make me weak for the things in this world. My pain tries to pursue perceived relief on earth, but it’s only temporary. You are my only lasting relief, Jesus. When I look at you, you take the sting out of pain and death. Restore my sight with revelations of you, Jesus. I want a deeper spiritual life with you, Jesus, and ultimately eternity by your side.
Your glory gives me purpose in life, Jesus.
When fear rises, Holy Spirit, help me narrow my focus so that I see only Jesus, my present help in time of need. (Psalm 46:1) I don’t want your miracles to pass me by. There are so many you’ve already worked in my life, Jesus, and that is why I live to follow you and praise you alone. My prayer is that those around me will see your work too, and respond with a life that honors you, Jesus; my kids, my spouse, my family, my friends, my neighbors, my Church, and my community. In Jesus’ name, Amen.