The Blind See:

Matthew 20:29-34

Context:

• Jesus and His disciples are being followed by a crowd as they leave Jericho.
• Two blind men are sitting by the roadside.
• They cry out to the Son of David to have mercy on them.

Matthew 20:32 “...And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?...”

How did the blind men respond?

• They want to see.

Matthew 20:34 “...And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him...”

How did Jesus respond?

• Did He say, “get your life straightened out and I’ll heal you”?
• Did He say, “let me pray about it”?
• With pity, he touched their eyes and immediately they had sight - and followed Jesus

Mark 10:46-52

Context:

• Jesus came to Jericho, and left with His disciples and a great crowd.
• Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside.
• He cried out to the Son of David, have mercy on me.

Mark 10:49-51 “...And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight...”

How did Bartimaeus respond?

• He sprang up to come to Jesus.
• He said he wanted to recover his sight

Mark 10:52 “...And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way...”

How did Jesus respond?

• Jesus spoke to him, claiming his faith had made him well.
• Bartimaeus immediately recovered his sight - and followed Jesus.

Luke 18:35-43

Context:

• Jesus drew near to Jericho.
• A blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.
• He cried out to the Son of David, have mercy on me.

Luke 18:40-41 “...And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight...”

How did the blind man respond?

• “Lord, let me recover my sight.”

Luke 18:42-43 “...And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God...”

How did Jesus respond?

• Jesus spoke to him, claiming his faith had made him well.
• The blind man immediately recovered his sight - and followed Jesus, glorifying God.

What are the core similarities of these three accounts?

• Someone in need (less than whole).
• Jesus in the vicinity.
• Calling out to the Son of David (recognition of Jesus as the Messiah).
• Asking for healing.
• Receiving healing.
• Following Jesus.

What should we do when in need?

• Get close to Jesus.
• Ask for healing.
• Receive wholeness.
• Follow Jesus.