A happy once blind man

⁴⁷ And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and

say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁸ And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁹ And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” ⁵⁰ And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. ⁵¹ 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.” 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. Mark 10

Some stories are just great in their meaning and imagery.  This is one of those stories for me.  There are just as many questions as there is resolution.  I just want to make some remarks about the story.

·         When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he began to call out to him.

o   He had heard about the reputation of Jesus…who told him?  Somebody had told him that Jesus could heal people

o   It is so very important that we let people know how Jesus continues to heal and save people.  When they are in need they will know who to call to.

·         Many rebuked him for crying out to Jesus

o   Who was telling him to be quiet?  Why?  Was he just making too much noise?  Why was it offensive to have someone crying out for mercy

o   Do beggars make you uncomfortable? Have beggars always been on the outcast side that make people frustrated with them?

o   Did the people who rebuked him feel awkward after he was healed?

o   Could their indignation have almost stopped a man from being healed by Jesus?

o   Is there a possibility that we have been a stumbling block for someone wanting to find Jesus because we missed the spiritual sensitivity

·         The man cried out even louder and Jesus called to him to come

o   Don’t grow weary in your prayers expecting Jesus to answer…he will call

·         Take heart, get up, Jesus is calling for you to come

o   O be encouraged!  Jesus hears every prayer we cry out to him.  But he seems to be moved with compassion, when we are also moved in our prayers to him.

o   Be encouraged…let your heart begin to be settled…Jesus loves you

·         What do you want me to do for you?

o   Jesus asked the questions a few times of those who needed healing

o   Probably one of the best questions that Jesus asked

o   How would you answer that question?  That should be your regular prayer.

·         Go your way, you faith has made you well. 

o   Faith comes by hearing and someone had told him that Jesus could heal

o   He had called out to Jesus because he believed what had been spoken of him.

o   His faith was directly related to Jesus as healer.

Father, Thank you that faith comes by hearing.  Others grow in hope just because we share about your goodness in our lives.  Hallelujah!