As Jesus predicts His death for a third time (31-33) we see clearly His mastery of the situation that He was in the process of willingly submitting Himself to as He set His face towards Jerusalem. Perhaps He didn’t know what it would sound or feel like, perhaps He did, but He knew very well that He was willingly striding towards His destiny and purpose, His willing sacrifice of Himself for all mankind. It seems obvious that doubts and sufferings travelled with Him as we see later in the narrative of the Passion but, for now, Jesus seems secure and focused in His mission. As opposed to a couple of days ago, Luke is explicit that the meaning of Jesus’ words was hidden from the Disciples. It must have been quite a thought to realise what He had explained about Himself in hindsight in the months and years to come!
Verses 35-43 are dominated by the story of the blind man on the road to Jericho who recognised the Son of David, who in having mercy on him could give him what he most needed. For me, the key point to the whole exchange is not that Jesus was able to restore the man’s sight – this should come as no surprise to anyone who has been reading the gospel accounts – nor is it that the man, upon receiving his healing glorifies and praises God – this is the purpose of Jesus’s healings, to reveal God and something of His kingdom and to bring people in to relationship with Him. No, it all rests on the simple question “what do you want me to do for you?” It’s easy for us to see people in need or suffering and “divine” what we think they want or need, assuming that what is presented obviously to us is the deepest issue. I believe that Jesus saw that the barrier between this man and relationship with God was the lack of his sight, but that it was important that the blind beggar himself articulated it. What if he had said something else, such as “help me to love my neighbour more” or “help me to bring resolution in my family life”? I believe Jesus would do that too. The compassion of Jesus leads Him not to force Himself upon us, but to let us come to Him and ask for what we desire. I believe He gives us the things we need that keep us moving forward on the journey of faith, whether they be big or small. So it is not just about healing, or lengthening limbs, or gold teeth, it is about being drawn ever deeper in to the wonder of relationship with God.
What do you want Jesus to do for you today?