The opposition following the resurrection of Lazarus was so intense that Christ had to leave the Jerusalem area once again. He seems to have turned northward toward Galilee then circled back across Jordan once more. Now we follow Him through Jericho. This was on His last ascent to Jerusalem. Ahead of Him was the Passover and Calvary. Several beautiful incidents happened in this period. This is when parents brought young children to Him to be blessed by Him and we heard these words, "Suffer the children to come..." Also Christ met up with the "rich young ruler" while on this journey. Critics have found fault with the Gospel records concerning Christ's visit to Jericho. Luke mentions one blind man. Matthew mentions two men. The explanation is simple. Luke records an incident as Christ entered Jericho. The other two Gospels, Matthew and Mark, speak of Christ leaving the city. Also, there could easily have been another man with Bartimaeus but perhaps Bartimaeus was the more vocal and so was more prominent in His appeal. It seems strange that some of those in the crowd walking with Christ should tell this blind man to be quiet and not to bother Christ. They stood between Christ and a man in need. Could this apply to us today? Is it possible that at times people in need have been hindered somehow by our lives or our actions? This is a serious thought. But Christ heard his call, above the din of the crowd. He always hears when a soul calls out to Him, anywhere, anytime. And thank God He can still meet each need. He can still open eyes blinded by sin so that one can see Christ as the light of life. The last words of our reading are very significant. "He followed Jesus along the road." It would be interesting to know how far he went. Did he go all the way to Jerusalem? Was he one of Christ's last converts? It could well be. He is another person we can meet in Heaven. What a wonderful day that will be! |
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