Daily Dose of the Word of God - Luke 18: 35-43

Erin Pacheco, Director of Worship

Transcript

Erin Pacheco  0:07  

Welcome to Elmhurst CRC’s Daily Dose of the Word of God. Today is Friday, May 9 and Sunday is coming!  It’s the season of Easter, and we are responding in all kinds of ways to the reality of Jesus’ resurrection life. I’m Erin Pacheco.  Our Bible reading today is from Luke 18:35-43 — the story of Jesus’ encounter with a blind beggar. 

Erin Pacheco 0:36  

As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

Erin Pacheco  1:32  

There’s something endearing about the blind man in this story. Can you hear the desperation in his voice? Jesus! Have mercy on me! Help me! And when they tell him to be quiet, he just gets louder. Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me! He’s reaching out, crying out, in faith that Jesus the Messiah — the promised royal Son of David — can respond to his need. And I love what Jesus does. He stops and listens, and then asks the man this pointed question: “What do you want me to do for you?” 

Erin Pacheco  1:32  

So much of this scene reminds me of moments with my kids. Sometimes, when they’re deep in frustration and wanting support, what’s directed toward me is mostly a loud mix of cries and complaints. It’s not always clear to me — or even to them — what kind of help they’re looking for. Sometimes, to move forward, it helps to ask them, “What’s your question?”  In other words, What do you want me to do for you? In worship on Sunday, we’ll reflect on this posture of need — like a little kid, hands up, desperate for help — and on how Jesus sometimes responds by asking us first to name our need and be specific with our request. What would you like Jesus to do for you today? 

Erin Pacheco  3:18  

Let’s pray. Jesus, there is so much that can feel overwhelming and hard. Like a blind beggar, or like a little kid with a parent, we desperately need your help. Remind us to turn to you, to ask you specifically to meet our needs, and then wait for your loving response. In the power of your resurrection life, we pray. Amen.