Luke 18:41Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He does not ask in this manner without purpose: He could have easily provided healing to the man present, but the Jews, who misrepresent the truth, could have suggested, as they did with the man born blind, that this individual was merely an imposter. Thus, He summons the healed man to Himself to be seen by all, inviting everyone to recognize both his natural affliction and the incredible power of divine grace. “What do you want of Me?” He asks, providing an opportunity for instruction to those nearby. The man responds, “Lord! that I may see.” Observe the numerous confirmations required from the healed man, all aimed at safeguarding the truth from those who would twist it. This conversation regarding the blind man restored by Christ, along with the account of Zacchaeus, touches on themes of judgment and charity.

He inquires not out of ignorance but to ensure that those present do not perceive a discrepancy between His request and His response. For instance, if He were to ask for money but instead chose to heal blindness, it might lead to accusations driven by jealousy. Thus, the Lord posed a question, and upon discovering that the request was for sight, He granted that very sight. Notice also the humility evident in this exchange.

are deserving of His words. When the blind man was presented to Him, He inquired, ‘What do you wish Me to do for you?’ Was the man’s plea unknown to Him? Could it not be evident that he sought liberation from his suffering? How could there be any uncertainty regarding this? Thus, He purposefully posed the question, so those around Him would understand that the man was not merely seeking financial aid, but recognizing Him as divine, he was requesting a miraculous intervention that aligned solely with the nature that surpasses all understanding.

And behold, the Light has entered the world. This Light has come to grant sight to the blind and to instill faith in those who are without it. When the blind man drew near, he called out, "Son of David, have mercy on me" (Luke 18:38). The beggar extended his hand to receive a small coin from a passerby, yet he found himself given a divine gift instead. "Son of David, have mercy on me." The blind man rightly recognized Him as the Son of David, who showed compassion to the blind and the lame from Jebus. What was the response? "Your faith has saved you" (Luke 18:42). However, He did not say, "Your faith has restored your sight," to emphasize that salvation was the primary blessing bestowed upon him, with the restoration of sight following as a result.

As Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was found sitting by the roadside. The accounts of this blind man (see Lk. 18:35-43; Mt. 20:29-34; Mk. 10:46-52) and the narrative concerning Zacchaeus (see Lk. 19:1-10) begin here. While Matthew refers to two blind men, this passage focuses on just one; additionally, there is a location difference as Matthew describes Jesus leaving Jericho rather than approaching it. However, the underlying message remains unchanged: this blind man symbolizes the Gentile nations who, through the Lord's decree, regained the vision they had lost. The healing represented in one blind man or two holds equal significance. The image of these two blind men relates to the lineages of Ham and Japheth (see Gen.

He inquired of him, to prevent the impression that He offered something different than what was truly desired. He did not urge him to express his belief in Him, as true faith is known for its unwavering plea.

It is remarkable that He encourages the blind man by saying, "Whatever you wish, I will do for you." Did He, who has the power to restore sight, not already know the blind man's desires? Yet, He invites us to voice our requests, even though He is aware of them before we ask, and knows what He will provide in response to our pleas. He instructs us to pray continuously, and yet points out that "Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him" (Matthew 6:8). Thus, He acknowledges that it is essential for us to seek Him, prompting our hearts toward prayer. This is why the blind man promptly responded, "Lord, I want to see." The blind man does not seek material wealth but rather the gift of sight, for even if he possesses something, without vision he cannot appreciate what he has.

The God-man listened to the plea of the blind man and heard him cry out, “Have mercy on me, Son of David!” In response, He halted His journey, remaining nearby, and instructed that the blind man be brought to Him. Once the blind man was brought close, Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied, “Lord, I long for the illumination of my eyes; I ask that You open my eyes so that I may see.” Did the God-man not understand the blind man’s desire? He did not! Even as the true God, He was aware of the depths of the human heart, a truth He demonstrated when uncovering the inner thoughts of His disciples, who pondered, “We have no bread” (Mt. 16:7).

As the Lord traveled with His disciples through Jericho, a city approximately six hours from Jerusalem, they were met by a crowd. A voice called out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ It belonged to a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. He addressed Jesus with the revered title of Son of David, acknowledging Him as the Messiah. The crowd, perceiving the Messiah's grandeur in their own limited understanding and unaware of His teachings to His disciples, attempted to silence the blind beggar, urging him to cease his persistent pleas. Nevertheless, Bartimaeus continued to cry out, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me.’ Eventually, Jesus stopped, commanded that the man be brought to Him, and upon asking what he desired, restored his sight.

The accounts of this event provided by the Gospel writers exhibit two notable differences. First, Matthew mentions two blind individuals who were healed, whereas Mark and Luke refer to only one. Secondly, according to Matthew and Mark, this event occurred as Jesus was departing the city, while Luke places it during His entry. It is evident that two were healed, but the name of one, Bartimaeus, is particularly noted in apostolic tradition, suggesting that at times the narrative was closely linked to just him.

Jesus instructed him to go, affirming that his faith had brought him salvation. Instantly, he was healed of his blindness and began to follow Jesus along the path. When questioned about his desire, Bartimaeus responded that he wished to regain his sight. Jesus replied, “See, your faith has saved you.” At that moment, it is likely that another blind individual approached with a similar plea. Out of compassion, Jesus touched their eyes, and they were healed at once, regaining their sight and joining Him in worship. The crowd, witnessing this miracle, offered their praises to God.

The crowd then altered their approach and said to Bartimaeus, who had so fervently cried out for mercy in his hardship, “Do not be afraid, arise, He is calling for you.” Filled with joy, he quickly discarded his outer garment, sprang up, and went to Jesus. “What do you desire from me?” asked the Savior. “Rabbi,” the man replied, using the most esteemed title he knew, “that I may regain my sight.” “Receive your sight,” said Christ, “your faith has made you whole.” He touched the eyes of the blind man, and instantly, he was granted sight and began to follow Him, glorifying God.

The narrative of the healing of the blind man in Jericho as presented by Luke aligns with Mark's account but shows some distinctions. Mark refers to a single blind man, while Matthew mentions two; this is noted in the references to Mark 10:46-52 and Matthew 20:29-34. Notably, Mark indicates that the healing occurred as Jesus was departing from Jericho, whereas Luke suggests that it happened while the Lord was near the city. The Greek term used by Luke (ἐγγγι'ζειν) implies proximity to something without defining a specific location, whether at the entrance or exit of Jericho. However, the first two Evangelists assert the healing occurred upon leaving the city, a claim consistent with Luke's usage of the term.

After a long journey through a barren landscape, the travelers came upon the ancient city known for its palm trees, Jericho, which was lush and green. At the entrance of the city, a poor blind man sat begging. The sounds of the crowd accompanying the Lord caught his attention. Realizing that it was the remarkable Jesus of Nazareth, he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” In this fervent plea, he demonstrated his genuine faith in Christ as the promised Messiah from David's line.