As Jesus was approaching Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road begging. Now hearing a crowd going by, he began to inquire what this was. (Luke 18:35–36 NAS95)
Jesus walks toward Jerusalem and rumors start just prior to His entering Jericho. A blind man hears the crowds, which awaken his suspicions. God obviously has brought news of Jesus to the ears of this blind man. Jesus had engaged in ministry for almost three years, and as a result, His name had circulated throughout Israel. The blind beggar had not only heard the rumors, but his curiosity fostered a hunger to meet Jesus. The noise of feet and the clamoring of voices caused the blind man to ask why all the fuss. His heart hoped that maybe this signaled Jesus approaching. The beggar, filled with excitement now, had been attuned to Someone larger and greater than the noise of the crowd.
I have to stop and pause to consider the work of the Father. The renown of Jesus obviously had traveled far and wide and I doubt a soul had not heard. Through that renown, I see the Father whispering into the ears of the blind man, “Hope comes, the crowd points to My Son’s approach.” Obviously that is conjecture, but the blind man shouts and doesn’t' cease until Jesus responds, and respond He did by doing exactly what the beggar asked. The Father had whispered silently in His interaction with the beggar. Jesus I believe heard the Father as well, which is why He took the time. Are you listening to the quiet ways your Father speaks to you?
For Reflection:
“My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him.” (Psalms 62:5 NAS95)
- How do you listen to God? How aware or conscious of His interaction are you?
- What fosters curiosity about God in your life? What are you listening to when that happens?
