Daily Readings - Mon Nov 20 2023
Luke
35And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:36And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.37And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.38And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.39And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.40And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,41Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.42And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.43And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto 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.