In the Footsteps of Jesus #11

Scripture: Luke 18:35-19:6

35As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. 37They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." 38And he cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" 39And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 40And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, 41"What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me recover my sight." 42And Jesus said to him, "Recover your sight; your faith has made you well." 43And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

1He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2And there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small of stature. 4So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. 5And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today." 6So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.

"STOPPING IN JERICHO"

On our way from Galilee to Jerusalem, we stopped for lunch at the Temptation Cafe in Jericho. It sits at the edge of the wilderness where Jesus was tempted by Satan. Jericho is one of the more familiar biblical cities. Who can forget the song “Joshua fit the battle of Jericho?” Yes, we did see the fallen walls. It is a must spot for the tourist.

Jesus however didn’t really have time to stop in Jericho. He was on His way to Jerusalem and to the cross. In just a few days He would be riding into Jerusalem. Surely there was no time for chit-chat or a sit down meal, eternity hung in the balance. Salvation was to be won. It was the most crucial time in Jesus’ whole ministry.

That’s why I am amazed by today’s text. Particularly verse 40, which says Jesus stopped. How wonderful, that Jesus would take the time for one blind beggar. Even with the weight of the moment before him, he took the time to hear the cries of one man. Then as if he had no cares in the world, he stops to make dinner reservations with Zaccheaus.

Friends, this should encourage you today. If Jesus was willing to put destiny on hold to stop for Bartimeaus and Zaccheaus, he is willing to stop for you. Nothing is more important to him than that.

Question: Do I take the time to stop for others?

Prayer: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!