Needing to see
Opening Prayer
Father, accustom us to our need to seek and to ask, and help us to do so.
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 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. [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 THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What is different between the disciples and the blind man?We are still on the journey with Jesus (31). Jesus decides to try a few spoilers, more or less revealing the whole story plot (32,33). He need not have worried: the disciples do not understand (34). To be fair, Luke does say “its meaning was hidden from them” (34). That elusive gift of understanding will not fully arrive until chapter 24 (31, especially), maybe because all of it only makes any sense in the light of the resurrection. But then does that suggest to us that we need to keep the resurrection in mind if we are ever to discern God’s ways among us? Going farther on along the road, Jesus and his disciples come across a blind man sitting by the side of the road. He desperately wants to see, even though it annoys those around him (39). In this he is a striking contrast to the disciples. If only they would ask for sight, for insight, so that they too could join in the praise of God (43). In putting these two incidents side by side, Luke is making a clear point. Do you see what he did there? Really see?
Apply
Look for reasons to praise God today. You will find life in doing so.
Closing prayer
God of light, help me to know my areas of blindness and seek You for sight.
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