Daily Readings - Mon Nov 20 2023
Luke
35Now it happened that, as he was approaching Jericho, a certain blind man was sitting beside the way, begging36And when he heard the multitude passing by, he asked what this was37And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by38And he cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, take pity on me!39And those who were passing by rebuked him, so that he would be silent. Yet truly, he cried out all the more, "Son of David, take pity on me!40Then Jesus, standing still, ordered him to be brought to him. And when he had drawn near, he questioned him41saying, "What do you want, that I might do for you?" So he said, "Lord, that I may see.42And Jesus said to him: "Look around. Your faith has saved you.43And immediately he saw. And he followed him, magnifying God. And all the people, when they saw this, gave praise to God
Sermon
In today's reading from Luke 18:35-43, we encounter a blind man near Jericho who, upon hearing Jesus pass by, cries out for pity. Despite the crowd's attempts to silence him, he persists, and Jesus, moved by his faith, heals him. This miracle not only restores the man's sight but also highlights themes of faith, persistence, and compassion.
The context of this passage is significant, as it showcases Jesus' ministry of healing and His emphasis on faith. The blind man's determination to seek Jesus, even when others discourage him, underscores the importance of unwavering faith. Jesus' compassionate response illustrates God's desire to heal and restore, both physically and spiritually.
In our daily lives, this story encourages us to embrace persistent faith, especially when faced with challenges. Like the blind man, we should not be deterred by obstacles but trust in God's plan. It also reminds us to be instruments of compassion, helping others draw closer to God rather than hindering them. The man's gratitude and decision to follow Jesus inspire us to respond to God's grace with thanksgiving and obedience.
This passage teaches us that true faith leads to transformation and that our response to God's grace should be one of gratitude and devotion. Let us strive to seek God with persistence and embrace His healing touch in our lives, glorifying Him in all we do.