Jesus Is Still Passing By

For those of you that might be interested, Matthew 20:29-34 and Mark 10:46-52 recant this same story.

Beggars regularly lined up along the streets close to urban areas since that was the place where they had the option to contact the most people. Typically impeded somehow or another, they could not make money, they could not earn a living. Medical assistance was not accessible for their issues, and individuals would in general disregard their commitment to tend to the poor (Leviticus 25:35-38).

Beggars had little expectation of getting away from their degrading lifestyle. In any case, this visually impaired beggar took trust in the Messiah. He boldly shouted out to get Jesus' attention, and Jesus said that the man's faith made him see. Regardless of how urgent our circumstance may appear, if we call out to Jesus in faith, He will help us.

The man called out “Jesus, thou son of David.” Although the blind beggar could not see with his physical eyes, he saw Jesus with his heart. He knew that this was the Messiah, while the religious leaders were spiritually blind though they physically saw His miracles. It is ironic that so many people with the physical ability to have vision in their eyes cannot see Jesus when he passes by.

Hebrew 2:17, Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

In the Old Testament, the high priest was the arbiter, or mediator, between man and God. His work was to consistently offer animal sacrifices as indicated by the Law and mediate with God for the sins and transgressions of the individuals. Our High Priest now is Jesus Christ. He did not come to earth as a holy messenger or an angel. He came to earth as a human being like the rest of us.

Subsequently, He comprehends our shortcomings and weaknesses and shows mercy unto us. He has unequivocally suffered the consequences for our sins and transgressions by His sacrificial death on the cross (atonement), and we can rely on Him to reestablish our wrecked relationship with God (reconciliation). We are delivered from transgression's control over us when we submit ourselves completely to Christ, believing and trusting totally in how and what He did for us.

Jesus said bring him to me, bring all who have need of saving. In spite of the fact that Jesus was concerned about the impending events that were to occur to Him in Jerusalem, He showed what He had recently taught His disciples regarding service (Matthew 20:28); by halting to focus on the blind beggar. His concern was for this man that cried out for mercy. Christ hears us when we call out to Him. It is up to us to call upon Him.

The man only asked for his sight. He only asked to be healed. His was a prayer of faith. The blind man's sight was restored. His faith in Jesus had saved him. The man began praising and glorifying God, and the people who saw what had just happened, they began to give praise to God as well.

Luke 7:50, And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

Luke 17:19, And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Many people today with 20/20 vision have yet to see Jesus' death on the Cross and how it relates to their lives and forgiveness of sins. As in then, Jesus is still passing by today. We can listen to others tell of what Christ has done for them, either for saving their souls, giving healing to their bodies, or what Christ has done for their friends and family members. The people gave Him praise, honor, and glory. Do we not give our recommendation and endorsement regarding a particular product or service that we have received? We want to tell others about it.

There is an old song by the Primitive Quartet, He's Still Passing By.

When Jesus passed by, the dead would arise.

Some that were blind he opened their eyes.

The lepers were cleansed, the dumb made to talk.

The lame and crippled would rise up and walk.

And he's still passing by, He's still passing,

He still extends mercy today,

The blood that He shed, on Calvary's tree,

still washes my sins all away.

Jesus passed by a woman one day.

With an issue of blood, the Bible does say.

She spent all she had so the story is told.

But when she touched His garment,

she was made whole.

One night on my knees at an altar of prayer.

Jesus passed by and rescued me there.