Luke 18:35-36. And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.
If he could not see, he could hear, and he could speak. Use all the ability that you have, and God will give you more.
Luke 18:37-39. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace:
They told him that he was spoiling the Preacher's sermon. They had lost his last sentence; they could not catch the Saviour's meaning, so they cried out to the blind man, «Hold your tongue, sir.»
Luke 18:39-40. But he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood,
I can see him stop. He had been walking on before, and talking as we went; but prayer can cause the Saviour to be spell-bound. Here Jesus stood,
Luke 18:40-41. And commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?
Our Lord likes us to know what it is that we want. He would have us feel our need, that we may have a distinct perception of the blessing when it comes, and know just what it is.
Luke 18:41. And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.
He wanted nothing else; but oh, how badly he wanted that boon!
Luke 18:42. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight
Notice the echo. ‘The blind man said, «Lord, that I may receive my sight.» Jesus said, «Receive thy sight.» With a little turn in the expression, Christ's answer is the echo of our prayer.
Luke 18:42. Thy faith hath saved thee.
No, surely it was Christ who saved him. Yes, but Christ delights to put his crown on faith's head, for faith always puts the crown back on Christ's head: «Thy faith hath saved thee.»
Luke 18:43. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him,
What should we do when our eyes are opened by Christ but follow him? The moment that we can see him, we should begin to follow him.
Luke 18:43. Glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
May we have cause to praise the Lord tonight for many blind eyes opened!
This exposition consisted of readings from Isaiah 6:1; Matthew 13:10-17; and Luke 18:35-43.