Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar (Luke 18:35-43)
Introduction
In Luke 18:35–43, we encounter a life-changing moment for a blind beggar. As Jesus travels toward Jerusalem, this man’s persistent faith brings healing not just to his physical eyes but to his spiritual sight as well. This passage is a powerful reminder of Jesus’ compassion and his ability to bring restoration, not only to the body but to the soul (being made well and whole). Let’s explore this miraculous encounter and what it means for us today.
As noted below, Jesus healed 5 people of blindness, restoring their sight.
A Comparison of Luke 18:35-43 and Mark 10:46-52
Jesus’ healing a blind beggar is captured in Luke 18:35-43 and Mark 10:46-52. Each writer has their own theological viewpoint and theme to share. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the two stories that help us see the story more clearly.
| Aspect | Luke 18:35-43 | Mark 10:46-52 |
|---|---|---|
| Name of the Blind Man | Not named; referred to as "a blind man." | Named as Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus. |
| Crowd’s Reaction | The crowd initially ignores the beggar but he persists, shouting louder. | The crowd rebukes Bartimaeus, telling him to be quiet, but he continues shouting. |
| Beggar’s Call to Jesus | Calls Jesus "Son of David." | Also calls Jesus "Son of David," but with more urgency. |
| Jesus' Response | Jesus calls the man to Him and asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Luke 18:41). | Jesus calls Bartimaeus over and asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51). |
| The Healing Moment | Jesus says, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” (Luke 18:42). | Jesus says, “Go, your faith has healed you.” (Mark 10:52). Bartimaeus immediately receives sight and follows Jesus. |
| Aftermath of the Healing | The healed beggar glorifies God and praises Jesus, and the crowd also praises God (Luke 18:43). | Bartimaeus immediately follows Jesus, symbolizing his commitment. The crowd also praises God (Mark 10:52). |
| Emphasis on Faith | The beggar’s faith is implied, but there is less emphasis on the personal action of faith. | The healing is directly linked to Bartimaeus’ active faith, with an emphasis on his persistence and decision to follow Jesus. |
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Luke 18:35–43 and Commentary
Luke 18:35
“As He drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.”
In this opening verse, the beggar’s condition and his location are established. Jericho was a prosperous city, strategically located near the Jordan River, making it a key stop for travelers and merchants along the trade routes. It was known for its lush palm groves and fertile land. Jericho’s significance in the Bible is not just geographical; it is steeped in rich history. This city was the site of the miraculous fall of its walls during the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 6), a victory that demonstrated God’s power over Israel’s enemies.
Additionally, Jericho was the setting for the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), which underscores themes of mercy and neighborly love. The beggar, unable to see but keenly aware of his surroundings, sits by the roadside, begging for help. This is his life, one of dependence and isolation, yet he is in the right place to encounter Jesus.
Luke 18:36–37
“Hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’”
Upon hearing the crowd, the beggar is curious. When told that Jesus is passing by, his hope is sparked. Jesus has been healing and performing miracles, and the beggar knows this is his moment. His belief in Jesus’ power to heal is evident in his next response.
Luke 18:38
“And he cried out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’”
With urgency, the beggar calls out to Jesus, using the messianic title, “Son of David.” This title acknowledges Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah who would bring deliverance and healing. The beggar’s call is not just a plea for physical healing, but also a recognition of who Jesus is. He demonstrates faith in Jesus’ ability to heal him, even though his sight is still clouded by darkness.
Luke 18:39
“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!’”
The crowd tries to silence him, likely because they didn’t see him as worthy of Jesus’ attention. But the beggar refuses to be ignored. His faith is louder than the criticism he faces. This teaches us a crucial lesson: when we need Jesus, we should be persistent in our pursuit, no matter the barriers or the voices that try to discourage us.
Luke 18:40–41
“And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he came near, He asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’”
Jesus responds to the beggar’s faith and determination by stopping and calling him forward. Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you?” is an invitation for the beggar to express his faith openly. This moment is significant—it shows that Jesus values our requests and desires. The beggar’s answer will reveal his complete trust in Jesus’ ability to heal him.
Luke 18:42
“He said, ‘Lord, let me recover my sight.’”
The beggar asks for his sight to be restored, which reveals both his physical need and his faith in Jesus’ power. This simple yet profound request exemplifies what it means to ask for healing in faith—without hesitation, the beggar reaches out to Jesus for the restoration of what was lost.
One detail that moves me is that this man (Bartimaus) once had sight and lost it. He knows what he is missing. His life drastically changed and now he asks Jesus to return the gift of sight to him. Powerful!
Luke 18:43
“And immediately he recovered his sight and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.”
In a miraculous moment, the beggar’s sight is restored, and he immediately begins to follow Jesus, glorifying God. His healing doesn’t end with his physical sight—it leads him to discipleship. His healing is a testimony to all who witness it. The crowd responds by praising God, acknowledging the miracle they’ve just seen. This shows us that true healing leads to a changed life, one that brings glory to God and follows Jesus.
How Many Blind People Did Jesus Heal?
The Gospels record several instances where Jesus healed blind individuals, each story serving as a demonstration of His divine power and compassion. Below are some of the key moments where Jesus restored sight to the blind:
1. The Blind Beggar near Jericho (Luke 18:35–43)
• This is the passage we’ve explored. Jesus heals a blind beggar, who then follows him, glorifying God.
2. Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46–52)
• Mark records the healing of a blind man named Bartimaeus. This is the same man. He calls out to Jesus for mercy despite being told to be quiet.
3. The Man Born Blind (John 9:1–12)
• Jesus heals a man who was blind from birth. This healing is particularly significant because it highlights the connection between physical blindness and spiritual blindness.
4. The Blind Man in Bethsaida (Mark 8:22–26)
• In this healing, Jesus restores the sight of a blind man in stages. This miracle, unlike others, occurs in two phases, emphasizing Jesus’ power and care in the healing process.
5. The Healing of a Blind Man (Luke 7:21)
• Jesus heals many who are blind, as described by John the Baptist in his inquiry about Jesus’ identity.
Why Did Jesus Heal the Blind Beggar?
Jesus’ healing of the blind beggar is significant for several reasons:
1. To Show His Compassion: Jesus had a deep compassion for those who were suffering. The beggar’s persistent cries moved him to heal him, showing that Jesus is always attentive to our needs.
2. To Fulfill Prophecy: Jesus’ healings fulfill Old Testament prophecies, such as those found in Isaiah 35:5, which foretold that the Messiah would open the eyes of the blind.
3. To Reveal His Identity: By healing the blind, Jesus revealed himself as the Messiah, the One who brings physical and spiritual restoration. His miracles served as signs pointing to His divinity.
4. To Teach About Faith: The beggar’s faith was unwavering. His persistent cry for mercy and his request for sight demonstrate that Jesus responds to bold, sincere faith. Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you?” invites us to bring our needs before him with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many blind men did Jesus heal?
Jesus healed several blind individuals, including the blind beggar near Jericho, Bartimaeus, and the man born blind in John 9. Each healing served to demonstrate his power and the arrival of the Kingdom of God.
2. Why did Jesus heal the blind beggar?
Jesus healed the blind beggar to show compassion, fulfill prophecy, reveal his messianic identity, and teach about the power of faith.
3. What did the blind beggar’s cry signify?
The blind beggar’s cry, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” was an acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah and a plea for healing. His cry is an example of faith in action.
4. What is the significance of the beggar following Jesus after his healing?
The beggar’s decision to follow Jesus after being healed demonstrates the natural response to divine grace. When we experience God’s mercy, it leads us to discipleship and worship.
Conclusion
The healing of the blind beggar in Luke 18:35–43 is a profound reminder that Jesus’ mercy is available to all, especially those in desperate need. This passage not only teaches us about physical healing but also invites us to examine our own faith. Are we persistent in seeking Jesus? Do we believe He can restore what is broken in our lives? The beggar’s healing leads to both physical sight and spiritual enlightenment. Like the beggar, we too are called to follow Jesus, glorifying God for the healing and restoration we receive.
