Eyes to See

Sermon 79 in Series

Luke 18:35-43

[35] As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. [36] And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. [37] They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” [38] And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” [39] And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” [40] And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, [41] “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” [42] And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” [43] And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  How is the Bible’s instruction to fathers (and parents in general) pretty simple and straightforward? In the practical outworking of those instructions, how have you seen your constant need for the Spirit’s help?
2.  Why does Luke place this narrative right after the disciples’ lack of understanding? How does it reassure us of Christ’s ability to give spiritual sight?
3.  Why should we not be disturbed by the different references to Jericho in the three Synoptic Gospels? How have you seen other supposed contradictions resolved in your reading of the Bible?
4.  How does Luke describe this blind man’s condition? Where do we see Jesus’ compassion?
5.  How is the blind man contrasted with the self-righteous Pharisee and the rich young ruler earlier in the chapter? What does this passage communicate about faith?
6.  As with other miracles that we’ve seen in Luke, how does this one emphasize Jesus’ authority and power as the promised Christ? What does this imply about our daily walk with him?
7.  Where does this passage end? Why must that always be the end of the story?

References: John 9:1-25 (corporate reading); Ephesians 6:4; Matthew 1:21; Hebrews 12:2; John 17:5; Luke 9:20; 10:21; John 10:35; Mark 10:46; Luke 16:3; 2 Samuel 7:13; Luke 18:13; Mark 10:49-50; Matthew 20:34; Luke 17:19; 1 Corinthians 10:31.