Daily Readings - Mon Nov 20 2023
Luke
35As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.36And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant.37They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."38And he cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"39And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"40And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him,41"What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me recover my sight."42And Jesus said to him, "Recover your sight; your faith has made you well."43And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, 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.