As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth* is passing by.’ Then he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.
Luke 18:35-40
In the passages from this week’s teaching (Luke 18.31-19.27), we read of Jesus foretelling of his death a third time, how he healed the blind beggar, his encounter and engagement with Zacchaeus, and the parable of the ten minas. These stories give helpful context to Jesus’ life and ministry, to the way he approached those in need, and to the way he extended salvation to the lost. As Jesus tells the parable of the ten minas, he teaches the crowd that faithfulness—even with little, will be rewarded. Those who are faithful and continue doing God’s work will live in eternity with him. As Christians, we are called to make decisions with eternity in mind. Even in the little things, God notices our intentional efforts.
As we move nearer to Easter and the celebration of the Resurrection, what does it look like to live like the blind beggar or Zacchaeus?
Full on faith with no holds barred. Nothing to lose and everything to gain by trusting Jesus.
We are called to continue doing God’s work, modeling Christ here on earth. This begins at home with those closest to us and radiates out in circles from there.
How are we like Christ to those in our spheres of influence? Do others experience us as loving and living like Jesus?
