Old Llantrisant Hill
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