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Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, I praise and worship You today, the divine Son of the Father, and Lord and King of all.
Read LUKE 18:31-43
[31] Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. [32] He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. [33] On the third day he will rise again.” [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. [35] As Jesus approached Jericho, 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.” [38] He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy 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!” [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.” [43] Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What was Jesus telling his disciples that they didn't understand?On this occasion, Jesus explains in great detail what will happen to him in Jerusalem in fulfillment of various ancient prophecies (for example Psa. 41:9; Psa. 22:16-18 and Isa. 53:4-7) and yet we are told, “the disciples did not understand any of this” (34). “What’s not to understand?” Perhaps they did not understand because they were unable to conceive of a suffering Messiah. They had been conditioned to expect a triumphant and victorious leader, and they simply had no concept of one who might endure the indignity of being mocked, insulted and spat on.
We are not told what kind of messiah the blind beggar was expecting. But we do know that the beggar believed Jesus to be The One, addressing him as “Son of David.” With his sight restored, he was able to see the man who was God, soon to lay down his life for his creation. What preconceptions might be stopping us from seeing Jesus for who he is? Do we need to let go of some story-book images from childhood, or some teaching we received from secular educators, or feelings we are projecting onto him because of ways our human fathers behaved towards us?
Apply
How would you share with someone your understanding of Jesus? Are your expectations of him in line with the Bible?
Closing prayer
Lord, I want to see You more clearly, love You more dearly and follow You more nearly, day by day.
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