He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 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!” Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. (Lk.18:38-42)
After discussing about eternal life Jesus pointed to the means by which eternal life was going to be provided-His own substitutionary death. This was beyond the comprehension of His disciples.
Atoning Death
The prophets foretold about the atoning death of the Savior whom God would send. Thus the Jewish people were awaiting the coming of the Savior. Yet they could not comprehend their Savior as a humble servant who would be assaulted and put to death by the Roman authorities. This was contrary to their concept of the Savior. But the focal point of the whole episode was His resurrection on the third day.
Eye-opening Faith
The blind man near Jericho had heard about all what Jesus had done and He was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah who has come “…to preach good news to the poor. …to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Lk.4:18-19; Isa.61:1-2) Jesus responded to his faith by doing what he badly wanted. He had seen the Savior with the eyes of faith and that made even his physical eyes to open up.
