Eyes of Understanding

“Then it happened, as he was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging. …And he cried out, saying, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to him….’What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, that I may receive my sight.’” (Luke 18:35-41, NKJV). 

Isn’t it amazing that they’re in Jericho, the stronghold with impenetrable walls that God brought down when the people shouted to him? Now a man’s shouting for his walls of hopelessness to come down, and they’re telling him to be quiet. Isn’t it amazing what religion can become over time? We start to think that it’s reverent to never shout out, to never get desperate with God. Everything must be measured, and we must never lose our integrity, as we see it, by admitting our needs.  

This blind man didn’t care about all that. Because he was willing to cry out for God to move, his walls were about to come down. 

First, though, Jesus asked him what he wanted. Isn’t that odd? The man was blind. Wasn’t it obvious what he would want? But the man could have answered, “Well, I need a new coat. My old one is stinky and ratty.” Or he could’ve said, “I need a better begging spot, Jesus. I’ve worn this one out like a fishing spot. I need a job. I want a friend.” None of those things were his greatest needs, and Jesus wanted to see if he knew that. 

In this context, read what Paul prayed for the church: “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:17-18). 

You need spiritual sight. You need to understand who Jesus Christ is. You need to know that God hasn’t called you to be sitting on the side of the road with your spiritual cup out. Cry out, and Christ will give you eyes of understanding! 

^{Carter Conlon joined the pastoral staff of Times Square Church in 1994 and was appointed Senior Pastor in 2001. In May of 2020, he transitioned into a continuing role as General Overseer of Times Square Church, Inc.}