HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
Opening Prayer
Help me to catch a better glimpse of who You are today, Jesus.
Read Luke 18:31–43
Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time
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 delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; 33 they will flog him and kill him. 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.
A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight
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.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Reflect on this past week. Where have you seen God at work? Where would you like to see Him at work today? Tell Him about it.Today’s readings contain two stories about blind men. First, the disciples, who just couldn’t see how Jesus’ version of coming events in Jerusalem (31–33) could possibly make sense (34). A messiah abused in his own capital city! Despite having been with Jesus for so long, they just didn’t get it: “its meaning was hidden from them” (34).
Secondly, the beggar on the road to Jericho. He hadn’t been with Jesus, and clearly hadn’t seen him, but – (presumably) based on what he had heard about him – persistently cries out for help (38, 39). Does Jesus’ question seem strange to you (41a)? Isn’t it obvious what the man needs? As a beggar, it might have been safer to ask for some money (passers-by had that) rather than risk everything on a far-fetched request for healing (41b). And yet, Jesus met his request and opened his eyes (42). Who do you identify with in this reading: the dull-but-trusting disciples, or the bold-and-tenacious beggar? The good news is that Jesus has time for both.
Apply
If Jesus asked you, “What do you want Me to do for you?” what would you say? Do you really know what you want from your relationship with God, or what He wants from you?
Closing prayer
Open my eyes, Lord. I want to see You, Jesus.
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