Today’s passage: Luke 18:31-43
Helpful thoughts:
- Jesus sacrificial death was not a change in plans. God had revealed His plan and purpose for the Messiah in His Word. Israel had this all in writing in the Old Testament.
- The disciples’ view of the coming Messiah matched that of the vast majority of Israel (Straight to the end…skipping the death, burial and resurrection). They would not understand until God graciously opened their “eyes”. (Luke 24:44-49)
- You can also read about Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52.
- Bartimaeus referred to Jesus as the Son of David and as “Lord”. He knew and believed. Bartimaeus “saw” before he could see.
- He also threw his cloak behind when he was being led to Jesus. This was likely the only thing he owned. What he did have, he left behind to follow Jesus.
- The fact that Mark names him shows that the early church was probably familiar with who he was. He followed Jesus continually.
- When Jesus said, “You faith has made you well.” He uses the word not for healing, but for salvation. Bartimaeus faith didn’t make his eyes get better. Jesus did that. Bartimaeus faith was a gift from God that brought salvation.
Questions to consider:
- Where should we look if we want to know what God is going to do and to know what He wants us to do? Where was the information the Jewish people were missing? How does abstaining from the Scriptures prevent the Spirit from teaching us?
- Why did it seem easier for the blind man to leave his possessions behind than the rich young ruler? How does one penny compare to a million dollars? How does one penny compare to a million dollars (Which you can only possess for 70-80 years) when compared to the infinite worth of eternal life in the presence of God as a joint-heir with Jesus Christ?
- What role does your faith in God’s future gracious promises have in how you choose to spend each day?