Jesus and the Blind Man

Luke 18:35-43

35 ) "As Jesus approached Jericho,a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36) When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37)They told him "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." 38) He called out. "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! 39) 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!" 40) Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, "41) What do you want me to do for you?" "Lord, I want to see," he replied. 42) Jesus said to him,"Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." 43) Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it they also praised God.

I find this passage to be absolutely incredible. First, because buried beneath the turmoil and frenzy of the crowd that most certainly would have followed Jesus into Jericho, amidst the cacophony of street merchants and the curious, Jesus actually isolated the voice of a single man and heard his plea.

Secondly, because, as paragraph 40 says, Jesus did something amazing. He stopped. The son of God stopped. He actually halted his journey and responded to the outcry of someone he'd never met before- and who'd never known him. He was willing to detour his journey for a mere man, putting his needs above his own.

No doubt, the blind man had heard of the miraculous Jesus and was familiar with his lineage, for he proclaimed: "Son of David, have mercy on me!" It's interesting to note that Jesus waited for the blind man to take the initiative and reach out to him- proclaim his faith by giving word to it. So, when Jesus heard the man call his name, he responded immediately by ordering the blind man be brought to him- Jesus met the blind man where he was.

This paints such a clear picture of Jesus as a loving and concerned Shepherd. It reminds me that, regardless of what situation I find myself in, Jesus will stop what he's doing to respond to my needs just as a loving parent would. He steps in to offer support and guidance even when all others have abandoned us. He meets us where we are, regardless of how young or old our faith, and he responds accordingly.

He stopped. The Son of God stopped. Now that's a miracle!