Luke 18:35
As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Even though it was the well-known blind Bartimaeus who received sight as Jesus was leaving Jericho, Luke focuses on a different moment: a blind man begging as Jesus approached the city. This isn't a contradiction, but highlights how Jesus’s ministry was so impactful that healing moments happened constantly, even outside the spotlight.
As Jesus approaches the city of Jericho, a familiar scene unfolds: a man is relegated to the roadside, his blindness forcing him to beg for survival. This encounter marks a significant moment in Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem, a journey filled with growing crowds and rising tension. Though the details of this healing might differ slightly from other accounts, the core story is about Jesus pausing his purposeful march to address the desperate need of someone overlooked by the world.
Imagine sitting by the roadside, unable to see the world around you, dependent on the kindness of strangers. This was the reality for the blind man in Jericho.
This verse introduces us to a man in a state of profound need. His blindness wasn't just a physical limitation; it defined his social and economic existence.
A Life of Dependency
Why do Matthew, Mark, and Luke seem to tell this story differently? It's not a mistake, but a window into God's wisdom.
You might notice that the Gospel accounts of this healing story have some differences. Matthew and Mark mention two blind men as Jesus was leaving Jericho, while Luke mentions one blind man as Jesus was approaching Jericho. This isn't a contradiction; it's a sign of independent witness and God's layered plan.
Seeing Through Different Lenses
Understand the original words
typhlos · Greek Adjective/Noun
In a biblical context, physical blindness often serves as a metaphor for spiritual darkness or the inability to perceive the truth of God and the glory of the Gospel apart from divine illumination.
The Gospels present slightly different perspectives on whether the healing occurred as Jesus approached or departed Jericho, with some scholars suggesting it may have happened near the distinction between the old and new cities. Regardless, the event underscores Jericho's significance as a stop on Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem.
c. 63 BC
Herod the Great renovates Jericho
The powerful ruler Herod the Great undertakes significant building projects in Jericho, turning it into a desirable city and a royal residence. This establishes Jericho as a notable location.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus travels towards Jerusalem for Passover
Jesus makes His final journey to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. Jericho lies on the route, approximately 18 miles from the city, and is often a stop or point of passage.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus approaches Jericho
As Jesus nears the city of Jericho, a significant crowd accompanies Him. The atmosphere is likely bustling with activity as He approaches the populated area.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus enters and departs Jericho
Accounts suggest Jesus passed through or near Jericho. During this time, a blind man, possibly Bartimaeus, cries out to Him for healing. There is a notable variation among the Gospels regarding whether this occurred upon entering or leaving the city, with some suggesting it happened in the vicinity of both the old and new Jericho.
This passage describes a similar healing of blind men as Jesus departed Jericho, highlighting a common theme of Jesus' compassion and power extending to those in need.
Mark 10:46Mark's account names the blind man Bartimaeus and details his persistent cry, reinforcing the narrative of faith overcoming obstacles to reach Jesus.
Isaiah 35:5This Old Testament prophecy foretells a time when the eyes of the blind will be opened, directly pointing to the fulfillment seen in Jesus' healing miracles like this one.
John 9:1This passage also describes Jesus healing a man born blind, emphasizing Jesus' identity as the Light of the world and His authority over physical infirmities.
Luke 19:1Immediately following this event, Jesus enters Jericho and encounters Zacchaeus, showing a pattern of Jesus' ministry in the city and His interaction with people from all walks of life.
calvinLuke 18:35-43: "And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:"
- And while they were departing from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. 30. And, lo, two blind men sitting near the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried aloud, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. 31. And the multitude rebuked them, that they might be silent; but they cried out the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son…
gillLuke 18:35: "And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:"
And it came to pass that as he was come nigh unto Jericho,.... Which lay in his way to Jerusalem; a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: this was not blind Bartimaeus, nor his companion, for they were cured by Christ as he went out of Jericho; but this man before he came to it; for we afterwards read of his entrance into, and passing through Jericho, Luke 19:1 tho…
Even though it was the well-known blind Bartimaeus who received sight as Jesus was leaving Jericho, Luke focuses on a different moment: a blind man begging as Jesus approached the city. This isn't a contradiction, but highlights how Jesus’s ministry was so impactful that healing moments happened constantly, even outside the spotlight.
As Jesus approaches the city of Jericho, a familiar scene unfolds: a man is relegated to the roadside, his blindness forcing him to beg for survival. This encounter marks a significant moment in Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem, a journey filled with growing crowds and rising tension. Though the details of this healing might differ slightly from other accounts, the core story is about Jesus pausing his purposeful march to address the desperate need of someone overlooked by the world.
As Jesus approaches the city of Jericho, a familiar scene unfolds: a man is relegated to the roadside, his blindness forcing him to beg for survival. This encounter marks a significant moment in Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem, a journey filled with growing crowds and rising tension. Though the details of this healing might differ slightly from other accounts, the core story is about Jesus pausing his purposeful march to address the desperate need of someone overlooked by the world.
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c. AD 30-33
Jesus departs Jericho area
After the healing event, Jesus continues His journey towards Jerusalem, with the formerly blind man following Him. The crowd gives praise to God for the miracle.
"As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging." — Even though it was the well-known blind Bartimaeus who received sight as Jesus was leaving Jericho, Luke focuses on a different moment: a blind man begging as Jesus approached the city. This isn't a…
