Marcos 10
Steven Cole · Citado em PreceptAustin
Marcos 10
Cole - When Jesus speaks here about receiving the kingdom of God like a child, He is not referring to the innocence of children. Children were not born in innocence and they are not without sin, even in their early years. Besides, innocence is not the qualification for entering God’s kingdom. If it were, none of us could qualify. Children are born in sin and they need Christ as their Savior as much as any adult does. (See Bringing Children to Jesus Luke 18:15-17)
Marcos 10
Cole - I must disagree with Calvin (and many other usually fine expositors) who use this text to argue for infant baptism. There is not a drop of water in the passage. As
Marcos 10
Cole - I read about a missionary to Africa back in the 1950’s who was appalled when she saw the native children at recess not run and play, but rather hunt mice and grasshoppers. They would impale them on a stick and roast and eat them. When she inquired as to why the children were so hungry, she found out that in that culture, the men ate their fill first, followed by the women. If anything was left, the children could eat. The children were considered the least important in that society. How unlike Jesus! He considered children important enough to give them His time and individual blessing. He wants us to learn from children what it means to believe in Him. He wants us to lead children to faith in Him. I pray that if you have never done so, you will come in simple faith to Jesus as your Savior. I pray that many of you will commit yourselves to the important task of leading children to Christ. You will be doing a work that our Savior Himself counted important. Bring Them To Jesus Read: Luke 18:15-17 Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. —Mark 10:14 The Scripture reading from Luke 18 about children seemed unusual at the memorial service for David Holquist. After all, he was 77 when he died. Yet the pastor said the verses fit David, a long-time college professor, perfectly. Part of his legacy was that he took time for children—his own and others’. He made balloon animals and puppets, and helped in a puppet ministry at church. When planning worship services with others, he frequently asked, “What about the children?” He was concerned about what would help the children—not just the adults—to worship God. Luke 18 shows us the concern Jesus had for children. When people brought little ones to Him, the disciples wanted to protect Jesus, a busy man, from the bothersome children. But it seems that Jesus was not at all bothered by them. Just the opposite. The Bible says that Jesus was “greatly displeased” at the disciples, and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them” (v.16). Mark adds that Jesus took them in His arms and blessed them (10:14-16). Let’s examine our own attitude about children and then follow the example of David Holquist. Find some ways to help them come to Jesus. To those who are teaching the gospel, With love in their hearts for its truth, Comes the gentle reminder from heaven, “Forget not the children and youth.” —Anon. God has great concern for little children. Like a Little Child Read: Mark 10:13–16 Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them. Mark 10:14 The little girl moved joyfully and gracefully to the music of praise. She was the only one in the aisle but that didn’t keep her from spinning and waving her arms and lifting her feet to the music. Her mother, a smile on her lips, didn’t try to stop her. My heart lifted as I watched, and I longed to join her—but didn’t. I’d long ago lost the unselfconscious expression of joy and wonder of my childhood. Even though we are meant to grow and mature and put childish ways behind us, we were never meant to lose the joy and wonder, especially in our relationship with God. When Jesus lived on Earth, He welcomed little children to Him and often referred to them in His teaching (Matthew 11:25; 18:3; 21:16). On one occasion, He rebuked His disciples for attempting to keep parents from bringing their children to Him for a blessing, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14). Jesus was referring to the childlike characteristics that ready us to receive Christ—joy and wonder, but also simplicity, dependence, trust, and humility. Childlike wonder and joy (and more) open our hearts to be more receptive to Him. He is waiting for us to run into His arms. Abba (Daddy), Father, help us to be more childlike in our relationship with You. We long to be filled with wonder at all You have done. Faith shines brightest in a childlike heart. By Alyson Kieda INSIGHT The wonder of what we see in Mark 10:13–16 becomes more stunning when we understand the connection with what follows in Mark’s gospel. One phrase that links the two sections is “the kingdom of God”—the rule of God in our hearts (see Mark 10:14–15). God’s kingdom (which includes eternal life) is the possession of those who are childlike in their dependence on God. They are the ones who are welcomed by Jesus (v. 16). On the other hand, we see a full-grown man running unhindered to Jesus, but he ends up leaving Him “because he had great wealth” (v. 22). Three times the phrase “the kingdom of God” is used in verses 17–27. “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” (v. 23); “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (vv. 24–25, emphasis added). Simple, childlike trust in Jesus is better than “adultlike” independence and trust in lesser things. Like a Little Child (different from preceding) Read: Matthew 18:1–5; 19:13–14 Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3 One evening many years ago, after saying a goodnight prayer with our two-year-old daughter, my wife was surprised by a question. “Mommy, where is Jesus?” Luann replied, “Jesus is in heaven and He’s everywhere, right here with us. And He can be in your heart if you ask Him to come in.” Our faith in Jesus is to be like that of a trusting child. “I want Jesus to be in my heart.” “One of these days you can ask Him.” “I want to ask Him to be in my heart now.” So our little girl said, “Jesus, please come into my heart and be with me.” And that started her faith journey with Him. When Jesus’s disciples asked Him who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, He called a little child to come and join them (Matthew 18:1–2). “Unless you change and become like little children,” Jesus said, “you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. . . . And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (vv. 3–5). Through the eyes of Jesus we can see a trusting child as our example of faith. And we are told to welcome all who open their hearts to Him. “Let the little children come to me,” Jesus said, “and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (19:14). Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to follow You with the confident faith of a child. Help the children in your life come to know Jesus. Our faith in Jesus is to be like that of a trusting child. Hugs Of The Heart Read: Mark 10:13-16 He took them up in His arms . . . and blessed them. —Mark 10:16 While Jesus lived on this earth, He took little children in His arms and blessed them (Mk. 10:16). And He is still in the child-embracing ministry today. My friend told me about a touching conversation between her two grandchildren. Five-year-old Matthew said to Sarah, age 3, “I talk to Jesus in my head!” She responded, “I don’t—I just cuddle with Him!” Many other children of God, much older ones, have experienced His unseen everlasting arms around them and beneath them. Brother Lawrence, the 17th-century monk known for sensing the presence of God amid the pots and pans of the monastery’s kitchen, spoke of being “known of God and extremely caressed by Him.” And Hudson Taylor, the pioneer missionary to China, scrawled this note as he neared the end of his life: “I am so weak that I cannot work; I cannot read my Bible; I cannot even pray. I can only lie still in God’s arms like a child, and trust.” God wants us to nestle close to Him in childlike trust, whether young or old, strong or weak. In response, through His indwelling Spirit, He draws us to Himself to comfort and to bless. Have you and God had a hug of the heart today? Don't wrestle—just nestle. —Corrie ten Boom Gentle Jesus Read: Matthew 18:1-10 Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 18:3 Charles Wesley (1707–1788) was a Methodist evangelist who wrote more than 9,000 hymns and sacred poems. Some, like “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” are great, soaring hymns of praise. But his poem “Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild,” first published in 1742, is a child’s quiet prayer that captures the essence of how all of us should seek the Lord in sincere, simple faith. Loving Jesus, gentle Lamb, In Thy gracious hands I am; Make me, Savior, what Thou art, Live Thyself within my heart. When some followers of Jesus were jockeying for position in His kingdom, the Lord “called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven’” (Matt. 18:2-3). Not many children seek position or power. Instead, they want acceptance and security. They cling to the adults who love and care for them. Jesus never turned children away. The last stanza of Wesley’s poem shows a childlike desire to be just like Jesus: “I shall then show forth Thy praise / Serve Thee all my happy days; / Then the world shall always see / Christ, the holy Child, in me.” Father, give me the faith of a little child. I want to know Your love and care, and to rest in Your embrace. Grant my desire to be like You in all my ways that I might live for Your honor. Faith shines brightest in a childlike heart. Faith Of A Child Read: Matthew 18:1-5 Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 18:3 One Sunday I heard Mike talk about his relationship with his two fathers—the one who raised him as a child, and his Father in heaven. First he described his childhood trust toward his earthly father as “simple and uncomplicated.” He expected his dad to fix broken things and to give advice. He dreaded displeasing him, however, because he often forgot that his father’s love and forgiveness always followed. Mike continued, “Some years ago I made a mess of things and hurt a lot of people. Because of my guilt, I ended a happy, simple relationship with my heavenly Father. I forgot that I could ask Him to fix what I had broken and seek His advice.” Years passed. Eventually Mike became desperate for God, yet he wondered what to do. His pastor said simply, “Say you’re sorry to God, and mean it!” Instead, Mike asked complicated questions, like: “How does this work?” and “What if . . .?” Finally his pastor prayed, “Please, God, give Mike the faith of a child!” Mike later testified joyfully, “The Lord did!” Mike found closeness with his heavenly Father. The key for him and for us is to practice the simple and uncomplicated faith of a child. Have you noticed that the childlike faith Of a little girl or boy Has so often shown to older folks How to know salvation’s joy? —Branon Faith shines brightest in a childlike heart. Childlike Humility Read: Matthew 18:1-14 Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 18:4 In the mid-70s, my husband Bill and I befriended a drug addict named Derek on the London subway. Days later we invited him to come and live with our family. He soon received Christ and His forgiveness. Until then, the world had been shouting to Derek, “Why don’t you grow up?” That day Jesus tenderly said to him, “Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 18:3). Derek became a child of God! We expected this young man to learn a lot through us about God, but little did we expect to learn about God through him. For example, one afternoon we discussed the possibility of someday opening a Christian rehabilitation center for addicts. None of us knew when, where, how, or if it would ever happen. I said, “Well, we know God won’t let us down.” Derek, however, added, “God won’t let Himself down.” His words echoed Psalm 23:3, “He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Twenty eventful years ago He brought that rehabilitation center into being “for His name’s sake,” and I’ve been learning and relearning childlike humility ever since. How about you? There's so much wisdom to be learned, So many ways for me to grow, Lord, I would listen like a child, And learn what You would have me know. —K. De Haan If you're filled with pride, you won't have room for wisdom. Leaping With Joy Read: Matthew 18:1-5 Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 18:4 One nice thing about having a young daughter is the frequent reminders she gives me about joyful trust. Debbie still jumps into my arms from the stairs, the porch, or the picnic table with a shout and a great big smile. We never have a long discussion ahead of time about whether or not I’ll catch her. She just looks at me and leaps. As adults, we tend to become more cautious with age. That may be all right in driving a car or spending money, but it is stifling in our relationship with God. When the disciples of Jesus wanted to know who was greatest in the kingdom of heaven, the Lord pointed to a child as He spoke of conversion and humility: “Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 18:4). How I long to become more childlike each year with my heavenly Father instead of more hesitant, more calculating, more insistent that He guarantee the results before I’ll take a step of faith. Rather than becoming more cautious as I age, I want to become more daring in my walk with God. Instead of being obsessed with landing safely and looking good, I want to leap with humble, joyful abandon toward my heavenly Father’s arms. I take my Father's hand in faith, Though where He leads I may not see; My hand is given into His— I trust Him as my child trusts me. —Shoemaker Childlike faith focuses on our heavenly Father, not on our fears. Child's Play Read: Matthew 18:1-11 Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 18:3 After a surprise storm blanketed the Middle East with snow, a newspaper photo showed four armed men smiling as they built a snowman outside the battered walls of a military headquarters. The wintry weather also caused a protest to be canceled and delayed a debate over parliamentary matters of pressing importance. Men wearing long robes and women in traditional black dresses and headscarves were seen playing in the snow. There’s something about snow that brings out the child in all of us. And there’s something about the gospel that beckons us to abandon our deep hostilities and feelings of self-importance in favor of a childlike humility and faith. When Jesus was asked, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1), He called a little child to come to Him and said, “Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (v.3). It has been said that age diminishes our imagination, hopes, and possibilities. The older we get, the more easily we say, “That could never happen.” But in a child’s mind, God can do anything. A childlike faith filled with wonder and confidence in God unlocks the door to the kingdom of heaven. God, give me the faith of a little child! A faith that will look to Thee— That never will falter and never fail, But follow Thee trustingly. —Showerman Faith shines brightest in a childlike heart. The Children's Friend Read: Matthew 19:13-15 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." —Matthew 19:14 Today, people around the globe will observe the 200th anniversary of the birth of the great storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. The lessons and encouragement contained in his tales of The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, and The Emperor’s New Clothes are still considered a great gift to children everywhere. I’m reminded, however, that Jesus Christ is the greatest friend of children the world has ever known. No one has done more for them than Jesus. When Jesus’ disciples reprimanded people for bringing little ones to Him, the Lord said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). Jesus valued children as persons of worth. After His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Lord accepted the praise of children and reminded those who criticized them that God has ordained praise even “out of the mouths of babes and nursing infants” (Matthew 21:16; Psalm 8:2). Companionship with the Savior is the privilege of everyone who trusts Him with the simple faith of a child. His loving arms and tender heart are ready to embrace every child who accepts Him. He willingly receives all who open their hearts to Him. He is the children’s Friend. O Jesus, You who once did say To little children at their play, "Come to Me, you will be blessed," So come to us and be our Guest. —Anon The Creator hides secrets from sages, yet He can be known by children. Mark 10:16 And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them. Ge 48:14-16 De 28:3 Isa 40:11 Lu 2:28-34 24:50,51 Joh 21:15-17 Mark 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Resources: Matthew 19:15+ After laying His hands on them, He departed from there. JESUS TAKING A CHILD And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them - While the children were in His lap, Jesus pronounced a blessing, probably in the form of a prayer, over them. This was most unusual for a rabbi to take time for the little ones. The mindset of the day would have been to not bother with the children. Teachers were too busy to waste time on them.
Marcos 10
Cole - The mark of true faith in Jesus Christ is that the person who got saved gives glory to God and begins a new life of following Jesus in which others are led to give praise to God. Bartimaeus didn’t go around telling everyone about his great faith. Yes, Jesus says that his faith saved him, but clearly He means that Bartimaeus’ faith was the means through which salvation came to him. It was God’s power through Jesus that gave him his sight. The power and will to heal rested completely with the Lord. Faith is just the hand that receives God’s gift of eternal life, and even faith is a gift from God. No one can boast in his great faith. We can only glory in God who opened our eyes and showed us His great mercy. Began following (190)(akoloutheo from a = expresses union with, likeness + keleuthos = a road, way) means to walk the same road (Ponder that simple definition dear believer - Am I willing to walk the same road as Jesus?) Literally to follow (like the crowds followed Jesus) and in a figurative sense to follow Jesus as a disciple. To follow (closely) and was used of soldiers, servants and pupils. Akoloutheo is in the imperfect tense picturing his continual following of Jesus. Many think that is why Mark gives his name Bartimaeus, reasoning that he continued to follow Jesus to the Cross and later became part of the early church. To mention his name suggests he was known to other believers. The Significance of Jesus giving sight to the Blind - According to the OT prophecies (eg. Isa 35:5, Isa 41:7) one of the SIGNS of the Messiah would be giving sight to the blind. This was one of the signs expected by the ancient Jews, that they would be performed by the Messiah. And so several times in the Gospels, He bestows sight to the blind, this miracle substantiating that He was the Messiah. And yet the Jews still rejected Him for they were looking for a delivering Messiah, not a suffering Messiah! The Jewish Tradition Of Two Messiahs I love the words of the converted slave trader John Newton's powerful hymn Come My Soul Thy Suit Prepare (play this beautiful version and let each of us beg God to give us this blind beggar's kind of faith when we bring our petitions to the King)... Come, my soul, thy suit prepare: Jesus loves to answer prayer; He Himself has bid thee pray, Therefore will not say thee nay; Therefore will not say thee nay. Thou art coming to a King, Large petitions with thee bring; For His grace and power are such, None can ever ask too much. —John Newton ILLUSTRATION - A new contact lens helps blind people see. Developed by Dr. Perry Rosenthal, the Boston Scleral Lens sits only on the white of the eye, protecting the cornea with a layer of fluid. People who cannot see due to corneal damage can wear them and lead normal lives. Individual lenses are custom-made to fit individual eyes, and cost about $7,500. Unfortunately, insurance companies have so far refused to pay for them, but Dr. Rosenthal turns no one away. He hopes to open clinics around the country to help as many as possible. Helping blind people see is what the Messiah came to do as well (see Isa. 42:6–7)....In this passage, we can also see how people should respond to Christ. Faith is central....Merely to recognize Jesus is not the same as saving faith: as we see, even demons recognized Him. True faith responds to His power and goodness with love and obedience. Matthew himself was a good example in this regard. (Today in the Word)
Marcos 10
Cole - “The Lord, as usual, allows men to display their own spiritual depth or shallowness by disclosing their aims. HIebert - As members of the inner circle, they had already received favors from Jesus (5:37; 9:2). Now they selfishly wanted Jesus to assure them of positions of privilege in the kingdom. (The Gospel of Mark: An Expositional Commentary)
Marcos 10
Cole comments - The second strand (FIRST WAS USE OF TITLE "SON OF DAVID" - SEE NOTE) that shows Jesus to be the promised Messiah is that He opens the eyes of the blind. Isaiah 35:5+ prophesied that Messiah would do such, and Jesus had cited that reference when he told the messengers of John the Baptist, “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have the gospel preached to them” (Lk 7:22-23-+). In the Bible, only Jesus opened the eyes of the blind, and there are more of His recorded miracles in this category than any other. It shows Him to be the promised Messiah. The point is, it is important that our faith rest in Jesus as revealed in Scripture, not in a Jesus of our own imagination. The cults have invented false Christs, who do not match up to the Jesus of the Bible. Others subjectively make up a Jesus of their own liking. But we must believe in Jesus as revealed in Scripture. Isa 42:7 To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the dungeon And those who dwell in darkness from the prison. Physical blindness was a metaphor of spiritual blindness (cf. Isa. 42:18–19; 59:9–10; John 9). John 9:1-7, 35-41 As He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5 “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” 6 When He had said this, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and applied the clay to his eyes, 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went away and washed, and came back seeing. ...35 Jesus heard that they had put him out, and finding him, He said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 He answered, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you.” 38 And he said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Him. 39 And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” 40 Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, “We are not blind too, are we?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains. (cf prophecies of spiritual blindness Isa. 42:18–19; 59:9–10) Alfred Edersheim description of Jericho in Jesus’ day: The ancient City occupied not the site of the present wretched hamlet, but lay about half an hour to the north-west of it, by the so-called Elisha-Spring. A second spring rose an hour further to the north-north-west. The water of these springs, distributed by aqueducts, gave, under a tropical sky, unsurpassed fertility to the rich soil along the “plain” of Jericho, which is about twelve or fourteen miles wide.… Josephus describes it as the richest part of the country, and calls it a little Paradise. Antony had bestowed the revenues of its balsam-plantations as an Imperial gift upon Cleopatra, who in turn sold them to Herod. Here grew palm-trees of various kinds, sycamores, the cypress-flower, the myro-balsamum, which yielded precious oil, but especially the balsam-plant. If to these advantages of climate, soil, and productions we add, that it was, so to speak, the key of Judæa towards the east, that it lay on the caravan-road from Damascus and Arabia, that it was a great commercial and military centre, and lastly, its nearness to Jerusalem, to which it formed the last “station” on the road of the festive pilgrims from Galilee and Peræa—it will not be difficult to understand either its importance or its prosperity. We can picture to ourselves the scene, as our Lord on that afternoon in early spring beheld it. There it was, indeed, already summer, for, as Josephus tells us, even in winter the inhabitants could only bear the lightest clothing of linen. We are approaching it from the Jordan. It is protected by walls, flanked by four forts. These walls, the theatre, and the Amphitheatre, have been built by Herod; the new palace and its splendid gardens are the work of Archelaus. All around wave groves of feathery palms, rising in stately beauty; stretch gardens of roses, and especially sweet-scented balsam-plantations—the largest behind the royal gardens, of which the perfume is carried by the wind almost out to sea, and which may have given to the city its name (Jericho, “the perfumed”). It is the Eden of Palestine, the very fairyland of the old world. And how strangely is this gem set! Deep down in that hollowed valley, through which tortuous Jordan winds, to lose his waters in the slimy mass of the Sea of Judgment. The river and the Dead Sea are nearly equidistant from the town—about six miles. Far across the river rise the mountains of Moab, on which lies the purple and violet colouring. Towards Jerusalem and northwards stretch those bare limestone hills, the hiding-place of robbers along the desolate road towards the City. There, and in the neighbouring wilderness of Judæa, are also the lonely dwellings of anchorites [hermits]—while over all this strangely varied scene has been flung the many-coloured mantle of a perpetual summer. And in the streets of Jericho a motley throng meets: pilgrims from Galilee and Peræa, priests who have a “station” here, traders from all lands, who have come to purchase or to sell, or are on the great caravan-road from Arabia and Damascus—robbers and anchorites, wild fanatics, soldiers, courtiers, and busy publicans—for Jericho was the central station for the collection of tax and custom, both on native produce and on that brought from across Jordan. (The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah) Related Resources: Matthew 20:29-34 says Jesus healed two blind men as He left Jericho. Mark 10:46-52 and Luke 18:35-43 say He healed one man as He entered Jericho. Is this a contradiction? Does the Bible contain errors, contradictions, or discrepancies? What is spiritual blindness? How should a Christian respond to beggars? Beg; Beggar; Begging - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Baker Evangelical Dictionary Blindness Easton's Bible Dictionary Blind Fausset Bible Dictionary Blindness Spurgeon's Illustration Collection Worldliness: Its Blinding Influence Holman Bible Dictionary Blindness Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Blindness Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Blindness Blindness (2) Hawker's Poor Man's Dictionary Blindness Smith Bible Dictionary Blindness Steven Cole addresses Luke's approaching Jericho and Matthew and Mark's leaving Jericho which seem to be contradicting descriptions - There have been numerous solutions proposed, but before I mention some of them, let me point out that the variance indicates that Luke was not relying on either Matthew or Mark as his source, or the accounts would line up. Also, we are dealing with eyewitness accounts of what happened. Matthew was there personally; Mark got his story from Peter, who was there; and Luke carefully researched his account from eyewitnesses (Luke 1:1-4). Sometimes, eyewitness accounts of the same event can vary greatly and yet all be true. We may lack sufficient information to piece it all together, but it would be arrogant for us, from our limited perspective, to pronounce that one of the authors was in error. Here, then, are several proposed solutions. Some say that Jesus was leaving old Jericho and about to enter the rebuilt Jericho when this incident occurred. This view is possible, but the problem is that old Jericho was not inhabited in Jesus’ day, and thus it would be unusual to speak of Jesus leaving the ruins as if He were leaving the city itself. Others propose that a two-part event was condensed into one account. Bartimaeus cried out as Jesus entered the city, tagged along with the crowd, and eventually was heard by Jesus and healed along with the other beggar as Jesus left the city. Another variation is that Jesus entered and passed through the city when He encountered Zaccheus (Lk 19:1). When Zaccheus responded, Jesus turned to go back into the city, at which point He met Bartimaeus. Thus, depending on how you view it, Jesus had left the city or was entering it. Luke merely separates the accounts for his purposes. However you resolve it, both this story (which is Luke’s last miracle) and the next (about Zaccheus) are examples of how the nation should have responded to her Messiah. Bartimaeus and Zaccheus line up with the publican in Jesus’ parable (Lk 18:9-17), who cried out to God for mercy. They stand in contrast to the Pharisee in the parable and the rich young ruler (Lk 18:18-27), who both tried to approach God based on their own merit. The Pharisee and the rich young ruler were likely candidates for salvation who missed it because they trusted in themselves and refused to acknowledge their sin. Bartimaeus and Zaccheus were unlikely candidates for salvation who obtained it through faith in God’s mercy, apart from anything in themselves. Thus Luke uses this unlikely blind beggar to teach us that…When Jesus passes by, we should cry out to Him in faith and He will be merciful to us. (When Jesus Passes By ) Mark 10:47 When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus: Mt 2:23 21:11 26:71 Lu 4:16 18:36,37 Joh 1:46 7:41,52 19:19 Ac 6:14 thou: Isa 9:6,7 11:1 Jer 23:5,6 Mt 1:1 9:27 12:23 15:22 20:30 21:9 Mt 22:42-45 Ac 13:22,23 Ro 1:3,4 Rev 22:16 Mark 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Resources: Matthew 20:30+ And two blind men sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” Luke 18:36+ Now hearing a crowd going by, he began to inquire what this was. 37 They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 38 And he called out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 Those who led the way were sternly telling him to be quiet; but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 And Jesus stopped and commanded that he be brought to Him; and when he came near, He questioned him, 41 “What do you want Me to do for you?” And he said, “Lord, I want to regain my sight!” 42 And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him, glorifying God; and when all the people saw it, they gave praise to God. When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene - The ears of blind people are much more aware of the sounds and he knew these sounds were different. Mark spells out the title as Nazarēnos (cf. Mark 1:24; 10:47; 14:67; 16:6). Matthew’s Gospel says “He shall be called a Nazarene” (cf. Mt. 2:23). NET Note- Jesus was more than a Nazarene to this blind person, who saw quite well that Jesus was Son of David. There was a tradition in Judaism that the Son of David (Solomon) had great powers of healing (Josephus Antiquities 8.2.5 [8.42–49]). Jesus the Nazarene - 9x in 9v - Mk. 10:47; Mk. 14:67; Mk. 16:6; Lk. 24:19; Jn. 18:5; Jn. 18:7; Jn. 19:19; Acts 2:22; Acts 22:8 Jesus (Iesous) of Nazareth - Yes, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but in that time a man was usually associated with the town in which he had been raised when for Jesus was Nazareth - Matthew 2:23 (Jesus) "came and lived in a city called Nazareth. Nazareth was considered to be a town of little significance. For example, "Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip *said to him, “Come and see.” (Jn 1:46) This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene.” (Cf Mt 26:71; Jn 1:45; Acts 10:38; 26:9; Mk 14:67; Lk 24:19; Jn 18:5; Acts 2:22; 6:14) Peter summarized Jesus' 3 year ministry declaring “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." Jesus of Nazareth - 7x in 7v - Matt. 26:71; Mk. 1:24; Lk. 4:34; Lk. 18:37; Jn. 1:45; Acts 10:38; Acts 26:9 he began to cry out (krazo in present tense) and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me The verb have mercy (eleeo - aorist imperative) is a command in Greek but in this context is not a a demand that presumes authority over Jesus, but rather a reverent and urgent appeal to Him, expressing their deep need and their faith (believing He has the power to show mercy). One might paraphrase it something like “Please, Lord—do this!” As such it reflects more of a cry for help than a command to control. In Jewish prayer tradition, especially in the Psalms, it's very common to find imperative forms addressed to God. For example in Psalm 51:1 David prayed “Have mercy on me, O God" which is an imperative in Hebrew (חָנֵּ֣נִי). However David clearly was not being irreverent, but rather was desperately appealing to the One He knew could show him mercy. And in our present passage note that Jesus does not rebuke their use of the imperative but in fact He responds to it with compassion and healing. Their urgent plea is met with divine mercy. Jesus was on a one way trip to the Cross. This would be the last time He would be passing by the blind beggar's location in Jericho. Perhaps the beggar sensed this great urgency and realized that he must seek Jesus now or never. We see this thought expressed in Isaiah 55:6 "Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near." (He may not always be near!) 🙏 THOUGHT - Dear reader - "If you do not know the Lord, you have right now an opportunity for your life to be changed. Jesus is passing by, if you please. You have an opportunity for your eternal destiny to be changed from Hell to Heaven. Your sins can be forgiven by asking Christ to forgive you and by putting your faith in Him. Realize you won't always have this opportunity. When you die, it will be gone. This is why Paul urged the lost to trust in the Lord now. 2 Corinthians 6:2." (Mattoon) Blind people can comprehend things people with sight cannot comprehend as shown by this story in Luke. But it is also true in general - "Blind people can easily comprehend speech that is sped up far beyond the maximum rate that sighted people can understand. When we speak rapidly we are verbalizing at about six syllables per second. That hyperactive radio announcer spewing fine print at the end of a commercial jabbers at 10 syllables per second, the absolute limit of comprehension for sighted people. Blind people, however, can comprehend speech sped up to 25 syllables per second. Human beings cannot talk this fast!" (Scientific American) ILLUSTRATION - Steven Cole - David Brainerd, the 18th century missionary to the American Indians, was once witnessing to a chief who was close to trusting in Christ. But he held back. Brainerd got up, took a stick, drew a circle in the dirt around the chief, and said, “Decide before you cross that line.” Why was Brainerd so urgent? Because he recognized that Jesus was passing by that chief at that moment. He might never be so close again. Question: Why is Jesus often referred to as Jesus of Nazareth? Answer: Jesus was referred to as “Jesus of Nazareth” for several reasons. For one thing, in Bible times people were often identified by their native area or place of residence. The man who carried Jesus’ cross when He was no longer able to, for example, was called Simon of Cyrene, noting his name and his place of residence (Luke 23:26). This distinguishes him from all other Simons and from all other residents of Cyrene who were not named Simon. Although Bethlehem was the place of Jesus’ birth, Nazareth was the place where Jesus had lived until He began His public ministry, and therefore He is said to be “of Nazareth.” Matthew 2:23 tells us that Joseph settled his family in Nazareth—after returning from Egypt where he had fled to protect Jesus from Herod—in order to fulfill “what was said through the prophets: ‘He will be called a Nazarene.’” The words here are not found in any of the books of the Old Testament, and there has been much difficulty in ascertaining the meaning of this passage. Most commentators agree that the prophecies respecting the coming Messiah were that He was to be of humble origin and would be despised and rejected (Isaiah 53; Psalm 22) and that the phrase “he shall be called” means the same as “He shall be.” When Matthew says, therefore, that the prophecies were “fulfilled,” his meaning is that the predictions of the prophets that the Messiah would be of a low and despised condition and would be rejected, were fully accomplished in His being an inhabitant of Nazareth. The phrase “Jesus of Nazareth” is first used in the Bible by Phillip who, after being called by Jesus to follow Him, told Nathanael, "We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph" (John 1:45). By calling Him Jesus of Nazareth, Phillip may also have been making a statement about the lowliness of His birth. The character of the people of Nazareth was such that they were despised and condemned. Nathanael’s response, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (John 1:46) would seem to indicate such. To come from Nazareth, therefore, or to be a Nazarene, was the same as to be despised, or to be esteemed of low birth. The Messiah who would come to save His people would be “a root out of dry ground, having no form or comeliness” (Isaiah 53:2). He would be “despised and rejected of men” from whom men hid their faces and “esteemed him not” (Isaiah 53:3). Jesus of Nazareth was born and grew up in humble circumstances, but His impact on the world has been greater than anyone ever born before or since. He came to “save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21), a feat that could be accomplished by none other than God incarnate. (Source: GotQuestions.org) Mark 10:48 Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" many: Mk 5:35 Mt 19:13 20:31 Lu 18:39 but: Mk 7:26-29 Ge 32:24-28 Jer 29:13 Mt 15:23-28 Lu 11:5-10 18:1-8 Eph 6:18 Heb 5:7 have: Ps 62:12 Mark 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Resources: Matthew 20:29-34+ As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. 30 And two blind men sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31 The crowd sternly told them to be quiet, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 32 And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 33 They *said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” 34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him. Luke 18:35-43+ As Jesus was approaching Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road begging. 36 Now hearing a crowd going by, he began to inquire what this was. 37 They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 38 And he called out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 Those who led the way were sternly telling him to be quiet; but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 And Jesus stopped and commanded that he be brought to Him; and when he came near, He questioned him, 41 “What do you want Me to do for you?” And he said, “Lord, I want to regain my sight!” 42 And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him, glorifying God; and when all the people saw it, they gave praise to God. Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, "Son of David - Using the title Son of David (found most often in Matthew) he is clearly addressing Jesus with a known Messianic title, one which describes Him as the heir of David's throne and the One Who would fulfill the Covenant God made with David. This would suggest that this man had an element of faith, for he is in essence confessing Jesus as the Messiah, the Anointed One (cf the confession in Romans 10:9-10+). Notice he calls Jesus "Lord" in Lk 18:41 which seems to reflect more than his respect, but his faith, which Jesus affirms (Lk 18:42). It is also worth noting that in the Gospel of Luke it is only this blind man who acknowledges Jesus as Son of David (Jesus used this term Himself in Lk 20:41), reflecting the fact that while physically blind, he had the more important vision which was spiritual! (Yahweh speaks these words to His prophet Nathan to in turn speak to King David) “When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you (SOLOMON), who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever (THIS WAS NOT SOLOMON WHO GAVE RISE TO A TEMPORARY DIVIDED KINGDOM BUT IS ULTIMATELY A REFERENCE TO THE MESSIAH - cf "from then on and forevermore" in Isa 9:6-7+). (2 Sa 7:12-13) Mattoon - The title, Son of David, refers to God's promise to King David that he would have a descendant who would have an eternal throne and be the Messiah King. (The angel speaking to Mary declaring) “He (JESUS) will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” (Lk 1:32, 33+) It is ironic that while most of the nation of Israel was blind to the presence of the Messiah, two other blind men had the spiritual insight to recognize and acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, the "Son of David"... Matthew 9:27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” Son of David is used 16 times in the NT all in the Gospels but most often in Matthew which was addressed to a Jewish audience who would be familiar with the fact that Son of David was a title of their long expected Messiah - Mt. 1:1 (IN JESUS' GENEALOGY), Mt 1:20; 9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 20:30-31; 21:9,15; 22:42; Mk. 10:47-48; 12:35; Lk. 3:31; 18:38-39 It is almost certain the beggar used Son of David as a title of the Messiah, for during His ministry those names had become synonyms... Mark 11:9; 10 (JESUS' TRIUMPHAL ENTRY IN WHICH CROWDS THOUGHT MESSIAH WAS COMING - WHICH HE WAS!) Those who went in front and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna! (= "Save Now" ~ Save us from the Roman Oppression) BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; (QUOTING FROM Ps 118:25-26 PART OF THE HALLEL ["PRAISE] SUNG AT JEWISH FESTIVALS, ESPECIALLY THE PASSOVER) 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!” (THE JEWISH CROWDS ACKNOWLEDGED JESUS AS THE MESSIAH SON OF DAVID [cf Mt 21:9 = "The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David."] AND HE LET THEM DO IT!. THEY THOUGHT HE WAS BRINGING IN THE MESSIANIC KINGDOM WHICH THEY KNEW HAD BEEN PROMISED TO DAVID'S SON!) (As an eschatological aside - The date of Messiah's "triumphal entry" into Jerusalem was Monday, 10 Nisan, 30 AD, exactly 483 years after the decree of Artaxerxes - SEE Da 9:24+, Da 9:25+, Da 9:26+). Mark 12:35-37 And Jesus began to say, as He taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that THE CHRIST (TRANSLATION OF OT HEBREW WORD FOR MESSIAH) is the SON OF DAVID? 36 “David himself said in the Holy Spirit, ‘THE LORD (JEHOVAH) SAID TO MY (DAVID'S) LORD (ADONAI), “SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I PUT YOUR ENEMIES BENEATH YOUR FEET.”’ (Quoting Ps 110:1 A MESSIANIC PSALM) 37 “David himself calls Him ‘Lord’; so in what sense is He his son?” And the large crowd enjoyed listening to Him. Comment: David pictures Jehovah (Yahweh) speaking to the Messiah, Whom David in turn calls his Lord. The Jewish religious leaders recognized Psalm 110 as clearly Messianic.
Marcos 10
Cole - Luke wants us to see that we all are blind beggars before God. Satan has “blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” (2 Cor. 4:4). Before God we are “wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked” (Rev. 3:17). This is perhaps the major stumbling block that keeps people from coming to Christ: they want to commend themselves and their good deeds. God has to open our eyes to our true condition before Him. We have nothing in ourselves to merit His salvation. We are spiritually blind sinners, and the only way we can come to Him is to ask for mercy, not for merit.
Marcos 10
Cole - One reason Bartimaeus’ faith was so bold was that he felt so keenly his deep need. He lived each day in total darkness. Those who could see did not feel the desperation that Bartimaeus felt. He could walk out into the bright sunshine and it was pitch black for him. I once heard Bill Cosby tell how he was staying in the same hotel as the blind singer, Ray Charles. He decided to stop by Ray’s room and say hello. He knocked on the door and Ray yelled, “Come in.” Cosby walked in and heard Ray’s electric razor going in the bathroom, but the lights were off and entire place was pitch black. Before thinking, Cosby blurted out, “Hey, Ray, why are you shaving in the dark?” Then it hit him and he thought, “Dumb! Dumb! Dumb!” Ray good-naturedly called back, “I do everything in the dark, brother.” It is when we realize our true spiritual condition that we will sense our desperate need for Jesus Christ. Deliverance by man is in vain. We need deliverance by God, and so we must cast ourselves totally on Him. And the blind man said to Him, "Rabboni, I want to regain my sight - Rabboni is equivalent to Luke's "Lord" in Lk 18:41 "Lord, I want to regain my sight!". Regain implies he may not have been born blind but lost it at some point. Can we not see a great lesson here for all of us regarding our prayers to God? "When Jesus asked what they wanted, they didn’t indulge in generalities, as we often do when we pray. They came right to the point. Without hesitation or generalization, the beggar replied that he wanted his sight. His prayer was short, specific, and full of faith." (MacDonald) Hendriksen Comments on Rabboni - "At least for some time the Jews recognized three ranks of "teachers," called, in ascending order of prominence, rab, rabbi, and rabboni, and that the title Rabboni was given to only a few rabbis (for example, to Gamaliel I and Gamaliel II)." (Baker New Testament Commentary – Exposition of the Gospel According to Luke) Regain (308)(anablepo from ana = up, again + blepo = to look, to perceive and so discern) means to look up or direct one's vision upward (Of Jesus "looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food," = Mt 14:19; Mk 6:41,Lk 9:16; Of Jesus "and looking up to heaven with a deep sigh" = Mk 7:34, Of man who regained his sight "he looked up and said, “I see men..." = Mk 8:24; "at that very time I looked up at him" = Acts 22:13) To regain one's sight or recover from blindness and thus see again ("the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT" = Mt 11:5; "“Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!” = Mk 10:51; "so that he might regain his sight" = Acts 9:12, 17,18). Of one born blind anablepo means to gain sight, become able to see, receive sight (" I went away and washed, and I received sight.” = Jn 9:11, 15, 18). Gilbrant - Three basic uses of anablepō are found among classical writers: “to look up,” “to see again, regain sight,” and metaphorically “to revive.” “Looking up” is particularly a mark of confidence (Liddell-Scott). (The Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary) Steven Cole - Jesus doesn’t always grant our requests, even when they are specific. Matthew and Mark both report that just prior to this incident, James and John had come to Jesus and asked Him to do whatever they would request. Jesus responded, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They answered, “Grant that we may sit in Your glory, one on Your right, and one on Your left” (Mark 10:37). But Jesus didn’t grant that request. It wasn’t for His glory to grant it. But it is for His glory to grant salvation by His free grace to blind beggars who cry out, “Lord, I want to receive my sight!” Be specific: tell the Lord that you have sinned and that you want His forgiveness. He will say, “Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.” Mark 10:52 And Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road. thy faith: Mk 5:34 Mt 9:22,28-30 15:28 Lu 7:50 9:48 made thee whole: or, saved thee he received: Mk 8:25 Ps 33:9 146:8 Isa 29:18,19 35:5 42:16-18 Mt 11:5 12:22 Mt 21:14 Joh 9:5-7,32,39 Ac 26:18 followed: Mk 1:31 Lu 8:2,3 Mark 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Resources: Matthew 20:29-34+ As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. 30 And two blind men sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31 The crowd sternly told them to be quiet, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 32 And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 33 They *said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.” 34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him. Luke 18:35-43+ As Jesus was approaching Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road begging. 36Now hearing a crowd going by, he began to inquire what this was. 37 They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 38 And he called out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 Those who led the way were sternly telling him to be quiet; but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 And Jesus stopped and commanded that he be brought to Him; and when he came near, He questioned him, 41 “What do you want Me to do for you?” And he said, “Lord, I want to regain my sight!” 42 And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him, glorifying God; and when all the people saw it, they gave praise to God. INSTEAD OF GOING HE FOLLOWED! The blind man had a new song in his heart. Maybe it sounded something like Chris Tomlin's song I will follow You... Where You go, I'll go Where You stay, I'll stay When You move, I'll move I will follow All Your ways are good All Your ways are sure I will trust in You alone Higher than my side High above my life I will trust in You alone Where You go, I'll go Where You stay, I'll stay When You move, I'll move I will follow You Who You love, I'll love How You serve I'll serve If this life I lose, I will follow You I will follow You Light unto the world Light unto my life I will live for You alone You're the one I seek Knowing I will find All I need in You alone, in You alone Where You go, I'll go Where You stay, I'll stay When You move, I'll move I will follow You Who You love, I'll love How You serve I'll serve If this life I lose, I will follow You I will follow You, yeah And Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well." - Go is in the present imperative, start going and keep on going the rest of your life! A good charge to all of us who have had our blindness healed by Jesus. Enabled by the Spirit may we emulate this blind man's faith and not "go from" but "go with" Jesus, following Him all the days of our life, for our good and His glory. Amen. His faith was instrumental in his healing. Your faith refers to Your personal faith, the faith you possess. Made you will is in the perfect tense indicating that this happened at a point in time and was now his state.
Marcos 10
Cole - Jesus’ words, “Your faith has made you well,” have a double meaning. On one level, he was “saved” physically, so that he could now see. But on a deeper level, his faith had saved him spiritually. That is the greater miracle. Instantly God forgave his sins and imparted new life to him, making him a child of God. As Jesus said, “He who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life” (John 5:24). God promises that “whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (Ro 10:13+).