SON OF DAVID, HAVE MERCY ON ME

Passage: Luke 18:31-43

Key verse: 38

NIV

Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time(A)

31 Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem,(B) and everything that is written by the prophets(C) about the Son of Man(D) will be fulfilled. 32 He will be delivered over to the Gentiles.(E) They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; 33 they will flog him(F) and kill him.(G) On the third day(H) he will rise again.”(I)

34 The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.(J)

A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight(K)

35 As Jesus approached Jericho,(L) a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”(M)

38 He called out, “Jesus, Son of David,(N) have mercy(O) on me!”

39 Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”(P)

40 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?”

“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.

42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.”(Q) 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.(R)

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ESV

Jesus Foretells His Death a Third Time

31 (A)And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, (B)we are going up to Jerusalem, and (C)everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. 32 For he will be (D)delivered over to the Gentiles and will be (E)mocked and shamefully treated and (F)spit upon. 33 And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on (G)the third day he will rise.” 34 (H)But they understood none of these things. (I)This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.

Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar

35 (J)As he drew near to Jericho, (K)a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. 37 They told him, (L)“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 And he cried out, “Jesus, (M)Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 And those who were in front (N)rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, 41 (O)“What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” 42 And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; (P)your faith has (Q)made you well.” 43 And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, (R)glorifying God. And (S)all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. Everything written will be fulfilled (31-34)

Jesus had told his disciples he would be rejected, betrayed, killed, and raised to life (9:22; 43-45). Now, as Jesus neared Jerusalem, he emphasized the fulfillment of the prophets' words and the role of the Gentiles who would torture and kill him. Everyone was blind to who he really was-some due to ignorance, others due to willful rejection. The disciples believed Jesus was the Messiah. Although they did not understand, they followed.

2. 'Your faith has healed you' (35-43)

Jesus approached Jericho while heading to Jerusalem. A blind man persistently called out, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!' Others tried to silence him, but he knew this was his only chance. There were many things he did not know or understand. But one thing he believed: Jesus is the Messiah who can open the eyes of the blind! Jesus stopped his procession to meet this man and heard his plea for mercy. The blind man received his sight by faith in Jesus. The man was now free to follow Jesus, like the disciples.

Prayer: Father, you have revealed Jesus as the Messiah. Although I do not understand everything, help me to follow him by faith today.

One Word: Open my eyes to see Jesus