Compassion is a Gift

Luk 18:35-43 NIV - 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.

Keywords: Jericho, blindness, mercy, praise

Jericho is the city conquered by Joshua. Jericho is famous for its balm’s medicinal qualities. They have valuable sycamore trees. It is situated between Jerusalem and Ammon in the mountains.[1]

Blindness was common in Bible times and there were no cures. They were salves that could be used, but they did not completely stop the process of blindness. In some cases, children were born blind. These individuals became beggars because there were no jobs for them. Being born among priests did not afford any special privileges. No one could enter the priesthood or Levite service in a less-than-perfect body. Individuals that regained their sight through Christ obtained more than sight, they gained a life, a place in the community, and a place in the Synagogue.[2]

Mercy is characteristic of the nature of God. The Old Testament is God showing mercy towards Israel. Mercy is a gift from God. It cannot be earned and it is not deserved. The best way to understand mercy is compassion. It is feeling something and doing it for someone that cannot offer it back in return. Mercy is normally seen as going from the greater to the lesser; rich to the poor. It can also be seen in the opposite as the lesser person prayers for their adversary.[3]

Praise is a major theme in Scripture. It is to proclaim His worth. In Scripture is in written as glory, blessing, thanksgiving, and hallelujah. Praise is in the offering of sacrifices, silence, meditation, testimony, prayer, and holy life. Praise is demonstrated in music, musical instruments, or human voice. Praise should come from the heart.[4]

Blindness would make the man an outcast from the temple. His faith in Jesus allowed him to be able to see. In gaining his sight, he is able to join the community. He can learn a trade, go to the temple, and be recognized by his name instead of the blind man.

What about you? Do you offer help even when not being watched? Do help those that cannot help themselves or return the favor?

Bibliography

“Blindness.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 226. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

Dodd, R. Adam. “Jericho.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 871-872. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

Martin, John A. “Luke.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, 199-265. Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 1984.

Music, David W. “Praise.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1291. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

Parker, Dan W. “Mercy.” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1081-1083. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

[1] R. Adam Dodd, “Jericho,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 871-872. [2] “Blindness,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 226. [3] W. Dan Parker, “Mercy,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1081-1083. [4] David W. Music, “Praise,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1291.