As Jesus approached Jericho
a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging,
and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening.
They told him,
“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!”
The people walking in front rebuked him,
telling him to be silent,
but he kept calling out all the more,
“Son of David, have pity on me!”
Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him;
and when he came near, Jesus asked him,
“What do you want me to do for you?”
He replied, “Lord, please let me see.”
Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.”
He immediately received his sight
and followed him, giving glory to God.
When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.
a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging,
and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening.
They told him,
“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!”
The people walking in front rebuked him,
telling him to be silent,
but he kept calling out all the more,
“Son of David, have pity on me!”
Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him;
and when he came near, Jesus asked him,
“What do you want me to do for you?”
He replied, “Lord, please let me see.”
Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.”
He immediately received his sight
and followed him, giving glory to God.
When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.
Luke 18:35-43
Why does Jesus never take credit for miracles? Why does he always credit instead the
receiver of the miracle? Is he proving his divine authority? Is he providing us
an example of humility?
The balance of Scripture indicates Jesus has no interest in
being seen as a sorcerer. He doesn’t
need to demonstrate divine power. Nor
does he need to exhort anyone to humility.
But he recognizes the tautology that to receive the benefit of faith,
you must have faith. To be comforted by
the presence of God you have to feel the presence of God. A few weeks ago, the disciples asked Jesus how
to increase their faith. Jesus ignored
them and said that even a little faith will be enough. Those who have even a little faith will grow
in faith. In this way, the rich will get
richer and the poor will get poorer. Let
those who have ears hear.
Image: Cape Cod