Jesus’ Trip Thru Jericho ~ Luke 18:35-43
Pastor John Opferman
10:00 AM
November 10, 2024
Powered by Ministry-notes.com
Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
Open with the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 18, verses 35-43.
Invite the congregation to stand for the reading of God’s word.
Emphasize the purpose of this recorded event: to reveal lessons for us today.
Context: Jesus’ Journey through Jericho
Background on Jericho:
The first city conquered by Israel in the Promised Land.
Cursed by Joshua for any future attempts to rebuild its walls.
Despite the curse, Jesus traveled through Jericho, showing God’s heart to reach the lost in cursed places.
Relevance for today:
Reflection on how even seemingly "cursed" or lost areas are not beyond God’s grace.
Connection to our world today and how God’s love still reaches those deemed lost.
Two Significant Events in Jericho
Event 1: Healing of the blind man (focus of today’s message).
Event 2: The conversion of Zacchaeus in the following chapter.
Message: God’s grace and miracles often meet us in unexpected, undeserving places.
The Blind Man’s Faith and Cry for Mercy
Verse 35: Introduction of the blind man, begging by the roadside.
The man’s condition was both physical (blindness) and societal (beggar status).
Verses 36-38: Hearing of Jesus’ presence, the blind man cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.”
“Son of David”: Acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah, showing the blind man’s understanding of Jesus’ identity.
Faith in action: Though he was physically blind, he “saw” spiritually by recognizing Jesus as the Messiah.
The Reaction of the Crowd and the Persistence of Faith
Verse 39: The crowd attempts to silence him, rebuking his cries.
Reminder: Expect resistance when seeking God’s help.
The blind man’s response: He cries out even louder, showing resilience in faith.
Encouragement to persevere in faith despite external pressures and resistance.
Jesus’ Response to Faith and the Specific Request for Healing
Verse 40: Jesus stops, commands the man to be brought forward.
Verse 41: Jesus asks, “What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?”
Importance of speaking our specific needs to God.
God desires us to come forward with our needs, showing faith in His ability to respond.
The Blind Man’s Immediate and Faithful Response
Verse 42: Jesus acknowledges his faith and says, “Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.”
Power of Faith: It’s not the man’s efforts but his faith in Jesus’ power that brings healing.
Reflection on how faith positions us for God’s blessing and miracles.
Response and Transformation
Verse 43: The man immediately receives his sight and follows Jesus, glorifying God.
Following Jesus after the miracle:
True faith is shown in our response to God’s work in our lives, not merely in the moment of the miracle.
The crowd’s response: Witnessing the miracle, they too give praise to God.
The man’s transformation leads others to worship, illustrating the ripple effect of a life changed by faith.
Lessons on Faith and Following Christ
Faith that Acts:
The blind man’s willingness to call out to Jesus and persist despite obstacles.
Faith that Proclaims:
The man’s public recognition of Jesus as the “Son of David” despite his circumstances.
Faith that Glorifies:
His response by following Jesus, showing that the greatest testimony is a life devoted to God.
Closing Reflection and Call to Action
Encourage the congregation to approach God with specific needs and an expectant faith.
Challenge to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, glorifying God not only in receiving His blessings but also in a transformed life.
Prayer: Ask God to open our eyes, like the blind man’s, to see His truth and walk faithfully in His light.
Biblical References
Luke 18:35-43 – The main passage, detailing the healing of the blind man:
“And it came to pass, that as he [Jesus] was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the wayside begging.”
“And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.”
“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: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.”
“And Jesus stood, 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? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.”
“And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.”
“And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.”
Hebrews 4:16 – Approach to the throne of grace:
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Romans 10:13 – Salvation through calling on the Lord:
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Jeremiah 29:13 – Seeking God wholeheartedly:
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
Hebrews 11:6 – Faith’s importance in pleasing God:
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Matthew 20:29-30 (referenced) – The presence of two blind men in Matthew’s account:
“And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.”
Reflection Questions
When faced with challenges or resistance, like the blind man was, do I persist in seeking Jesus, or do I allow obstacles to silence my faith?
Reflect on a time when you encountered resistance in your faith journey. What helped you push through, or what held you back?
In what ways have I recognized Jesus as the "Son of David" in my life, acknowledging Him as my Savior and Messiah?
Consider how your understanding of Jesus’ identity has shaped your relationship with Him. How does recognizing His authority and compassion impact your daily faith?
How specific am I in my prayers and requests to God? Do I openly share my needs, or do I hold back out of fear, doubt, or pride?
Reflect on the power of being specific in prayer, as Jesus asked the blind man to do. How might being more open and direct in prayer deepen your relationship with God?
When God answers my prayers or blesses me, am I quick to follow Him and glorify Him, or do I tend to return to my own path?
Think about the blessings you've received. How has each blessing influenced your commitment to follow and glorify God in your life?
Who might be watching my journey of faith, and how can my actions inspire them to see God’s goodness?
Consider those in your life who may be observing your faith. How can your dedication to follow Jesus, even through challenges, become a testimony that brings glory to God and encourages others?
Daily Activities
Persistent Prayer Exercise
Activity: Identify an area in your life where you face resistance or obstacles. Commit to praying about this issue daily for one week, bringing it to God with persistence.
Application: Journal your thoughts, feelings, and any insights that come up during this time. Reflect on how persistence in prayer changes your outlook or strengthens your faith.
Faith Proclamation
Activity: Reflect on how Jesus has worked in your life, and write a personal statement acknowledging Him as your Savior, similar to the blind man calling Him “Son of David.”
Application: Share this statement with a friend, family member, or in a faith group to declare your faith and remind yourself of Jesus’ presence in your life.
Prayer Requests with Specificity
Activity: When you pray this week, make each request specific and clear, detailing exactly what you’re asking God for and why.
Application: At the end of the week, review these requests. Observe how God has been at work, and note any areas where you might need to continue praying with a focused heart and mind.
Following Through in Service
Activity: Select a specific way to serve someone else this week, such as helping a neighbor, volunteering, or supporting a local charity.
Application: Dedicate this act of service to glorifying God, modeling how the healed man responded by following Jesus. Reflect on how this service strengthens your commitment to God.
Public Testimony of God’s Work
Activity: Think of a recent blessing or answered prayer, and prepare to share it as a testimony of God’s work in your life.
Application: Share this testimony with at least one person (in person or online) to inspire others and openly glorify God, acknowledging how His action has impacted your faith journey.
