February 6, 2022

Last Chance

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: Luke 18:35-43
Service Type:

Introduction

It is something to have help …

… but imagine if the Lord Jesus Christ said ‘What can I do to serve you?’

Jesus performed many miracles and healed many people

He knew the names and circumstances of all people
He knew how to meet people’s need
He knew when people had faith and when people were indifferent

How desperate are you?

What about your sinful heart?
We live in a world of disbelief and of little faith – we need the Spirit of God to stir up people

The Last Chance

This was the last chance for this blind man to meet Jesus
v31-34 – Jesus is on His final journey to Jerusalem

He refers to Himself as the Son of Man and speaks objectively of what will happen to Him [His death and resurrection]

He is now passing through Jericho and there are crowds around Jesus

Because of His fame in healing others
Because of the Passover

The blind man is told Jesus is passing by

Will he get to Jesus?
He cries out at the top of his voice – “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Death comes to us all – could this be your last chance?
Do you ignore Jesus passing by?
Will your heart become hard?

Barriers

People put up barriers to coming to Jesus – examples
The blind man had various barriers:

His condition – he could not see or swiftly move to Jesus
The prejudice of the crowd – he is warned to be quiet (v39)

The Jews thought that people’s ailments were caused by sin – John 9:1-2
Is stigma and prejudice still present?

Every human life is valuable and made in the image of God
Jesus looks upon all sinners with pity

He had no job – he had to beg

He was likely very isolated – yet he sought hope
He knew who Jesus was
He had great faith

Examples of those with great faith – the paralysed man and the Syro-Phoenician woman

Do we put up barriers to coming to Jesus?

Example of Muslim believers and Jacob who ‘wrestled’ with God
Reach out for Jesus

A Genuine Faith

The blind man called Jesus ‘Son of David’

Others called Him Jesus of Nazareth

This is a Messianic title

Jesus was born of the line of David
He would set up an everlasting kingdom
He would open the eyes of the blind – Isa 29:18, 35:5

John the Baptist was directed to these passages in Scripture

He cried out in a humble way – he asked for mercy

The Compassion of Jesus

Jesus stood still in the middle of the crowd

He had paused His most momentous and final journey to Jerusalem
He stood still for this blind man

Do we stand still for anyone?

Jesus asks him what he wants

The man gives his request and he receives His sight
The man first sees Jesus and follows Him (v43)
This is a miracle that can only be performed by the Lord Jesus Christ
Physically and spiritual saved [by his faith in Jesus]

Closing Remarks