This time of year, we customarily ask our kids and grandkids, “What do you want for Christmas”? They will generally have a list and readily pull it out in nanoseconds. The list will always have a variety of wants. The list rarely includes what they really need, right? We might take their temperatures if it did!
In our final passage, Jesus encounters blind beggars on his way to Jerico. Matthew tells us that there were two blind beggars who met Jesus as He left Jericho (Matthew 20:29, 30), but Luke introduces us to one blind beggar (Mark calls him “Bartimaeus,” Mark 10:46), who called out as Jesus approached Jericho. Seeking the attention of Jesus, he shouts, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” The blind man knows who Jesus is from what was “written” about Him and probably from what he has heard. Hold that thought.
Remember the rich religious leader who asked Jesus, what must I do to earn entrance to the Kingdom of God? Look at the obvious contrast is obvious between these two blind beggars and the rich religious leader (vv. 18–27). The beggars were poor, yet they became rich, while the religious leader was rich and became eternally spiritually poor. Both had a real need. The blind asked to be able to see again; the rich man wanted affirmation for his goodness.
The beggars claimed no special merit and openly admitted their need, while the religious leader lied about himself and bragged about his character. The religious leader would not believe, so he went away from Jesus very sad, but the two beggars believed in Jesus and followed Him with songs of praise.
Who are we? What do we need? We are all in need of a Savior and Lord.
Luke 18, The Message
I Want to See Again
31-34 Then Jesus took the Twelve off to the side and said, “Listen carefully. We’re on our way up to Jerusalem. Everything written in the Prophets about the Son of Man will take place. He will be handed over to the Romans, jeered at, ridiculed, and spit on. Then, after giving him the third degree, they will kill him. In three days he will rise, alive.” But they didn’t get it, could make neither heads nor tails of what he was talking about.
35-37 He came to the outskirts of Jericho. A blind man was sitting beside the road asking for handouts. When he heard the rustle of the crowd, he asked what was going on. They told him, “Jesus the Nazarene is going by.”
38 He yelled, “Jesus! Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!”
39 Those ahead of Jesus told the man to shut up, but he only yelled all the louder, “Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!”
40 Jesus stopped and ordered him to be brought over. When he had come near, Jesus asked, “What do you want from me?”
41 He said, “Master, I want to see again.”
42-43 Jesus said, “Go ahead—see again! Your faith has saved and healed you!” The healing was instant: He looked up, seeing—and then followed Jesus, glorifying God. Everyone in the street joined in, shouting praise to God.
WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?
Jesus asked, “What do you want from me?” Jesus, isn’t it obvious what the blind men want? Sometimes our real “need” isn’t as obvious as we think. After the conversation with the rich young man who turned away to go back to the business of making more money, Jesus asks of the blind men…what do you really want from me?
Jesus is not Santa or a genie in a bottle who grants our wishes, rather He is Lord who opens our blind eyes to our real need of Him. When He heals and forgives, we naturally follow the One who fulfills our every need. That’s what is obvious!
Believe and be saved for eternity. Forget evaluating what we think we want that will make life easier; instead seek God, watch for Him as He passes by. Maty we open the eyes of our souls to see His glory at work all around us.
Pause daily to be still and let go of all we think we are and desire. Allow God to fill our deepest need of Him as our hearts cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, Have mercy on us!”
Be able to answer to question, “What do you want from Me?” when He asks.
Yes, I was blind, but now I see.
Lord,
Thank you for Your Word that constantly reminds me of my need for you every hour of every day. It is so easy to go my own way, make plans with full agendas that overwhelm me, put tasks and goals, and even family activities ahead of you. If I am not careful, I become “blind” to my real need of you. Cleanse my heart, remove all that is between us that is not you, renew my mind that transforms my behavior, refresh my soul with your new mercies again today and restore the joy of your salvation at work within me. This is what I want from you.
In Jesus Name, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 