It was a third time that Jesus predicted his death and resurrection to the Twelve. Jesus would be delivered over to the Roman authorities; they will mock, insult, and spit on him; they will flog and kill him, but on the third day he would rise again. Jesus spoke clearly and in detail but the disciples did not understand its meaning, for it was hidden from them. Due to their wrong expectations from Jesus, they could see only what they expected to see. They were blind spiritually. They needed to open their spiritual eyes to understand the meaning of Jesus' death and resurrection. Likewise, sin dulls our vision and disorients our perspective until we cannot see the truth and the greatness and the glory of God's revelation (Eph 1:17-19).

Unlike the disciples, the blind beggar knew that he was blind. When others tried to quiet him, he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus heard his prayer for mercy, called him, and asked, "What do you want me to do for you?" He knew what he wanted from the Messiah. He wanted to see, not human sympathy. Jesus blessed his faith and gave him sight. What we need is to admit our blindness and ask Jesus for mercy who alone can give us sight.


Application: Lord Jesus, have mercy on me. I come to you for healing. Please heal my blindness and open my eyes to understand the deep meaning of the gospel and to know you better.
One Word: Lord, I want to see.