The Blind Beggar Of Jericho
THE BLIND BEGGAR OF JERICHO
“And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus” (Mark 10:49, 50).
This man is a picture of what we would hope every seeker of Christ might become.
In his lonely darkness, and deep poverty, he thought and became persuaded that Jesus was the Son of David.
Though he had no sight, he made good use of his hearing. If we have not all gifts, let us use those which we have.
I. He Sought the Lord Under Discouragements.
1. No one prompted his seeking.
2. Many opposed his attempts. “Many charged him that he should hold his peace” (v. 48).
3. For a while he was unheeded by the Lord Himself.
4. He was but a blind beggar, and this alone might have checked some pleaders.
II. He Received Encouragement.
This came from our Lord’s commanding him to be called.
There are several kinds of calls which come to men at the bidding of our Lord Jesus. There is the—
1. Universal call. Jesus is lifted up that all who look to Him may live (John 3:14, 15). The Gospel is preached to every creature.
2. Character call. To those who labor, and are heavy laden. Many are the Gospel promises which call the sinful, the mourning, the weary to Jesus (Isa. 55:7; Matt. 11:28; Acts 2:38, 39).
3. Ministerial call. Given by the Lord’s sent servants, and so backed by His authority (Acts 13:26, 38, 39; 16:31).
III. But Encouragement Did Not Content Him; He Still Sought Jesus.
To stop short of Jesus and healing would have been folly indeed.
1. He arose. Hopefully, resolutely, he quitted his begging posture. To receive salvation we must be on the alert, and in earnest.
2. He cast away his garment, and every hindrance. Our righteousness, our comfortable sin, our habit—anything, everything we must quit for Christ.
3. He came to Jesus. In the darkness occasioned by his blindness, he followed the Savior’s voice.
4. He stated his case. “Lord, that I might receive my sight!”
5. He received salvation. Jesus said unto him, “Thy faith hath made thee whole.” He obtained perfect eyesight; and in all respects he was in complete health.
IV. Having Found Jesus, He Kept Him.
1. He used his sight to see his Lord.
2. He became His avowed disciple. (See verse 52).
3. He went with Jesus on His way to the cross, and to the crown.
4. He remained a well-known disciple, whose father’s name is given.
• “And commanded him to be called.” By this circumstance he administered reproof and instruction: reproof, by ordering those to help the poor man who had endeavored to check him: instruction, by teaching us that, though He does not stand in need of our help, He will not dispense with our services; that we are to aid each other; that though we cannot recover our fellow-creatures, we may frequently bring them to the place and means of cure. —William Jay
• Success in this world comes only to those who exhibit determination. Can we hope for salvation unless our mind is truly set upon it? Grace makes a man to be as resolved to be saved as this beggar was to get to Jesus, and gain his sight. “I must see him,” said an applicant at the door of a public person. “You cannot see him,” said the servant; but the man waited at the door. A friend went out to him, and said, “You cannot see the master, but I can give you an answer.” “No,” said the unfortunate pleader, “I will stay all night on the doorstep, but I will see the man himself. He alone will serve my turn.”
You do not wonder that, after many rebuffs, he ultimately gained his point: it would be an infinitely greater wonder if an importunate sinner did not obtain an audience from the Lord Jesus. If you must have grace, you shall have it. If you will not be put off, you shall not be put off Whether things look favorable, or unfavorable, press on till you find Jesus, and you shall find Him.
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[1]Bryant, A. (1992). Sermon outlines for evangelistic services (36). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregel Publications.