Luke 18:38Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I find myself pondering particularly how this blind man, who had not been trained in the Law, who was unfamiliar with the prophets, who had not perused the Gospels, and who had not received instruction from the apostles, could invoke the Savior of the world with such a heartfelt plea: ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ From where did he derive such a supplication without understanding its meaning? For he had neither read sacred texts, having no sight, nor had he studied; his sole endeavor had been to beg, or rather, to be a beggar. How then did he recognize the Light of the world, whom, in his blindness, he could not perceive either in heaven or on earth? Indeed, the words of David found fulfillment in him: ‘The Lord makes wise the blind’ (Psalm 145:8)!

The man who could not see had faith that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah, likely because, having been raised within the Jewish community, he understood that the Messiah would descend from David's lineage. He called out fervently, "Son of David, have mercy on me." In this plea for mercy, he was revealing a profound understanding of the divine nature of Jesus, recognizing Him not simply as an ordinary man.

How does he present his supplication to the Lord? Is it like addressing an ordinary person, echoing the sentiments of those who stoned Him, who foolishly declared, ‘We stone Thee not for a good work, but for blasphemy, because Thou, being man, makest Thyself God’? Yet, shouldn’t that sightless individual have comprehended that his vision could not be restored through human intervention, but demanded divine power and authority, attributes solely belonging to God? Indeed, with God, nothing is impossible. Thus, he approaches Christ as Almighty God, but why does he refer to Him as the Son of David? The answer seems clear. Having grown up in the Jewish tradition and sharing in that heritage, he was undoubtedly aware of the prophecies in the Law and the holy prophets concerning the Messiah.

The light entered the world to illuminate those in darkness and to instill faith in the unfaithful. When the Lord came near the blind man, he cried out, saying, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.’ Blessed is the beggar! In reaching out his hand to receive a small coin from a passerby, he was deemed worthy of receiving a gift from the Lord! He proclaimed, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.’ It is well understood that he recognized Jesus as the son of David, who had previously shown compassion to the blind and the lame in Jebusites.

He referred to Him as the Son of David to bestow honor upon Him, as this title was the most esteemed among the Jewish people.

If one has faith in the Savior, they may find themselves on the path; however, if they believe yet refrain from seeking the eternal light and neglect to pray, they are akin to a blind person. Even if they are on the path, they do not seek assistance. Conversely, if someone has faith, recognizes the spiritual blindness of their soul, and earnestly prays for the gift of truth's illumination, they embody a blind individual who sits on the way and seeks aid. Thus, anyone who understands the shadow of their own blindness and yearns for the eternal light they currently lack will cry out with fervor and desperation: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.

Observe the qualities of faith, fervor, and courage. He was convinced that Jesus Christ could illuminate his life. Thus, when he learned that this man was near, he immediately called out with a passionate spirit and intense fervor: ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ He seemed to be guided by the prophecies of the holy Prophets, which indicated that the Savior of the world would arise from the lineage of David. Believing that Jesus Christ was indeed the Promised One, he cried out with profound hope: ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Although those around him attempted to silence him, he remained unwavering in his faith and fervent in spirit, and he ‘cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”’

As the Lord journeyed through Jericho with His followers, the multitude surrounded them, approximately six hours away from Jerusalem. As they neared the city, a cry echoed, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ This plea came from Bartimaeus, a blind beggar. He appealed directly to Jesus using the revered title of the Messiah, Son of David. The crowd, envisioning the Messiah’s grandness in their own limited understanding rather than recognizing His dialogue with His disciples, tried to silence the blind man and urged him not to bother Jesus with his persistent cry. However, Bartimaeus persisted, repeatedly calling out, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me.’ Ultimately, Jesus halted His journey, commanded that the man be brought to Him, and inquired about his needs before restoring his sight.

The gospel writers offer two distinct perspectives on this event. First, while Matthew mentions two blind men who were healed, Mark and Luke refer to only one. Furthermore, Matthew and Mark note that the healing occurred as Jesus was leaving the city, whereas Luke indicates it took place upon His arrival. While it is clear that there were two blind men healed, the apostolic tradition has notably preserved the name of one, Bartimaeus, suggesting that over time, the account became chiefly associated with him.

It should be acknowledged that while Jesus was departing from Jericho, two blind men were sitting by the road, requesting alms. Upon hearing the commotion of a crowd nearby, they inquired, "What is happening?" When informed that Jesus was approaching, these blind men, who had likely heard of His miraculous works and understood that some regarded Him as the promised Messiah, seized the moment to seek healing. They called out fervently, "Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!" (Matthew 20:30).

This instantly sparked a joyful hope within them, causing them to overlook all other forms of aid and to shout out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” The crowd attempted to hush them, viewing their fervent pleas as inappropriate for someone who was to enter Jerusalem as the Anointed One of God’s people. Nevertheless, Christ heard their cries, and His heart of compassion was stirred by their pleas. He paused and instructed that they be brought to Him.

The narrative of the healing of the blind man in Jericho, as presented in Luke's Gospel, bears similarities to Mark's version. Mark mentions only one blind man, in contrast to Matthew, who references two (see Mk. 10:46-52 and Mt. 20:29-34). However, a key difference lies in the timing of the miracle: Mark indicates it occurred as Jesus was departing Jericho, while Luke’s account suggests it happened as He approached the city. The Greek term employed by Luke, ἐγγγι'ζειν, implies being near something but does not specify whether this nearness was at the entrance or exit of Jericho. The first two Evangelists specify the exit, and Luke’s wording does not contradict their assertions. Thus, the healing indeed transpired as Jesus was leaving Jericho.