Jesus Hears Our Cries
Scripture Reading — Psalm 146; Luke 18:35-43
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!
When the blind man heard that Jesus of Nazareth was coming, he knew just who this teacher was. In contrast to the people of Jerusalem who had rejected God’s prophets, this outcast from Jericho called out to Jesus as the Son of David, the promised Messiah of God’s people. Attempts to silence him only increased his resolve. And, having heard his cries, Jesus commanded that the man be brought to him.
Giving sight to the blind is not carpenter’s work. Only the Creator who made heaven and earth and rules from Jerusalem can give sight to the blind. By having the blind man brought to him over the objections of many and granting the man’s request, Jesus lets everyone know that he is the Son of David—that is, the Messiah, the Son of God.
After the man receives his sight, he follows Jesus. He also does what any believer does when heaven comes to earth to heal them: he glorifies and praises God. And no one can stop him. When all the people see what has happened, they praise God too.
Today many who have received new life in Christ will gather together in worship to praise the Son of David, who has heard their cries. Come and join in with heart and voice in praise to the ruling King! Hear the good news proclaimed. Call on Jesus for mercy, that you may be made whole.
Thank you, Lord, for hearing my cry in the midst of opposing voices. In your mercy make me whole and grant me full life with you. Amen.
About the author — Arie C. Leder
Dr. Arie C. Leder is the Martin J. Wyngaarden Senior Professor of Old Testament Studies at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He previously served as pastor at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church, Trenton, Ontario, and with Christian Reformed World Missions in Latin America. He teaches courses on the Pentateuch and on historical books of the Old Testament.
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