The Story
One day a blind man was sitting beside a well traveled road. He had been sitting there for a while with his cup in his hand. And whenever he heard someone walking or riding by, he would raise his cup and ask for a few coins. “Alms for the blind? Alms for the blind?” Everyone who traveled on this road, knew about this poor man with no sight.
But on this particular day, something was different. The blind man could not see what was happening. But he could hear a large group of people walking down the road. So, he called out, “What’s going on?” Someone standing nearby told him that the people had come to see a man named Jesus of Nazareth.
Most everyone knew who Jesus was. They had heard about his miracles and his teaching from the Bible. The word had spread throughout the whole country that Jesus was a special teacher who could do amazing things. This blind man was among those who had heard about the Lord Jesus. But more than just hearing, this man believed that Jesus was who he was—the Son of David. That means that Jesus was the promised King who would one day rule over the whole world. Others thought Jesus was a good man, but the blind man knew exactly who Jesus was.
The blind man knew this might be his only opportunity. Quickly rising to his feet, he began shouting. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The others around him didn’t like the loud noise the blind man was making. So, they told him to be quiet. “Stop yelling, blind man! We want to hear what he’s saying, too.” But the blind man wouldn’t stop yelling. Over and over, he yelled for the Lord Jesus to have mercy on him. He knew that Jesus could heal him from his blindness.
Then it happened. Jesus heard the man’s yells and called for him to come over to him. With help from some friendly people, the blind man walked over to the Lord to find out what he would do. How he hoped that the Lord would heal his blind eyes! When he finally stood before the Lord, he could not see what he looked like. But he could hear the kind voice of the Lord speaking to him. “What would you like me to do?” Now was his chance. He wanted to shout the answer, but something about that voice caused him to respond quietly. “Lord … that I may receive my sight.”
Although the blind man couldn’t see it, the Lord was smiling as he spoke. “Receive your sight. Your faith has made you well.” Right then and there, the blind man could see. He saw the Lord and the crowd of people around him. It mas amazing! He wanted to jump around and yell at the top of his lungs. So, he did! “Praise the Lord, I can see!” And the funny things was that nobody minded his yelling this time. They too praised God for healing the poor blind man.
Conclusion:
What do we learn from this event in the life of our Lord? We learn that God rewards those who believe him. First, the blind man believed that Jesus was the Lord. That was the first step. Before he could believe anything else about him, he had to accept who he Jesus was. Jesus is the Lord, the perfect Son of God. And he is also the Savior who died on the cross and rose again. Do you believe that?
Second, the blind man believed that Jesus could heal him. After realizing who Jesus was, this man knew that he could heal him. He had heard about the miracles, but he also believed that Jesus could heal his blind eyes. That is important to note. Many people say that they believe in Jesus, but very few of them believe that he can do what the Bible says. Do you believe that Jesus can do anything?
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6
