Jesus of Nazareth Is Passing By

Luke 18:31-43

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

Jesus tells His disciples they must go to Jerusalem.

  1. This journey will lead to the cross.
  2. The prophecies concerning Him will be fulfilled.
  3. He had been headed toward the cross all His life.

 

Nearing Jericho they meet a blind beggar.

 

Reaching one more soul on the way Calvary.

 

       I.            THE BLIND MAN’S CONDITION

    1. The problems he faced.

1.      Couldn’t see the light.

2.      Stumbled often along his way.

3.      Had to be led about by others.

4.      Lived off the hand outs of others.

    1. Pictures the spiritual blindness of all lost people

1.      Jesus said the Pharisees were blind.  Matthew 15:14

2.      Those who followed them were also blind.

3.      Until conversion all are spiritually blind.  1 Cor. 2:14

4.      Satan blinds people to the Gospel.  2 Cor. 4:4

     II.            THE BLIND MAN’S CURIOSITY  (vv. 36-37)

 

    1. “He asked what it meant”
    2. The noise of this multitude was different.
    3. He sensed something special was going on.
    4. They told him Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.
    5. You may be here today out of curiosity.

1.      You’ve wondered about this church.

2.      You sense something different in this place.

    1. Jesus of Nazareth is here;  He makes the difference.

 

  III.            THE BLIND MAN’S CRY  (vv. 38-39)

    1. “Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.”
    2. He recognized Jesus as the promised Son of David.
    3. He acknowledged Jesus as the source of mercy.
    4. He refused to be intimidated by others.
    5. He kept on crying out until the answer came.

 IV.            THE BLIND MAN’S CONVERSION  (vv. 40-43)

    1. Jesus invited him to come near.

1.      He invites all people to come to Him.

2.      He instructed others to do their part.

3.      We should be bringing people to Jesus.

    1. “What wilt thou have me to do?”
    2. The blind man’s response to the Lord’s question.

1.      He called Jesus “Lord.”

2.      He believed Jesus could restore his sight.

    1. “Receive thy sight:  thy faith hath saved thee.”

1.      Faith brought the blind man sight.

2.      Faith saved him and brought eternal life.

 

CONCLUSION:

 

Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.

What do you want Him to do?

Faith will bring his mercy and salvation to you.