Luke chapter 18

vs 34

So they stood their with their mouths open, figuring it was a figure of speech, and probably that he'd still be crowned king once they got to Jerusalem.

This little story is the fulcrum of the book - the book more or less pivots on Jesus' decision to go to Jerusalem. He is now headed on the path that will lead him to his destiny.

vs 35

As they do.

vs 36

Since he couldn't see.

vs 37

If that's really all they told him, then what happens next is pretty special.

vs 38

Jesus was by no means an international man of mystery. It's not like people in Rome had heard of him. But he obviously was something of a local celebrity, because even a blind man in Jericho had heard of him. More than that, he had heard that Jesus must be the Son of David (a typical messianic term, and in fact the most easily recogniseable messianic references in the OT refer to the Son of David) and so wants him to have mercy on a poor blind man.

vs 39

Honestly, you would think that the people who had followed Jesus around for a while would have by now worked out that Jesus did heal people. And yet they still want to silence the blind guy. Well, good for him, he won't have a bar of it, and he shouts all the louder.

vs 40-41

It would be funny if the old guy said "I am affected by a bald patch!" but no, he was serious. This is a typical God question - what do you want? Of course he wants to be able to see! But you ask in order to get the answer.

vs 42

His faith was shown by his tenacity in asking for mercy, despite the silencing efforts of the mob. Huzzah for Jesus!

vs 43

He praised God for his sight, and other people who saw it praised God too. That's a good response.