They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The people identify Jesus not just as "Jesus," but specifically as "Jesus of Nazareth," highlighting that His growing reputation and miraculous deeds have preceded Him, making His name widely known. This detail shows that Jesus was no longer an obscure figure but a person of significant renown, whose passing was worth noting to a desperate beggar.
They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind beggar hears a commotion and asks what's happening. Those around him tell him it's Jesus of Nazareth, a renowned healer, passing by, sparking his desperate plea for mercy. This moment marks the beginning of his faith-filled cry for healing, which will be met with both opposition and compassion.
Why did the news that 'Jesus of Nazareth' was passing by create such a stir for the blind man?
The Name Carries Weight
The announcement, 'Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,' wasn't just a casual update. For the blind man, this name, 'Jesus of Nazareth,' was packed with hope and reputation. He had likely heard about Jesus – His teachings, His miracles, and His growing fame, especially His ability to heal the sick. This wasn't a stranger; this was 'Jesus of Nazareth,' a name that had become synonymous with divine power and compassion in the region. The crowd's response, and the blind man's immediate reaction, highlight how Jesus' reputation preceded Him. His name alone was enough to spark a desperate plea for mercy.
Why did the crowd try to silence the blind man's cries? What does this reveal about spiritual journeys?
Obstacles on the Path
When the blind man began to cry out, the crowd's immediate reaction was to 'rebuke him, that he might be silent.' This is a powerful, though often overlooked, detail. The crowd, perhaps annoyed by the disruption or simply not understanding the urgency of the man's need, acted as gatekeepers, trying to prevent him from reaching Jesus.
This mirrors how people – even those who follow Jesus – can sometimes inadvertently (or intentionally) become obstacles to others seeking Him. They might dismiss a desperate cry for help, prioritize order over compassion, or fail to recognize the profound spiritual hunger in someone else's heart. The blind man's persistence in crying out even louder shows that genuine need can overcome such opposition.
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Understand the original words
Iēsous · Greek Proper Noun
A transliteration of the Aramaic name Yeshua, meaning 'The Lord is salvation.' In the New Testament, it is the earthly name of the incarnate Son of God, who came to save His people from their sins.
Nazōraios · Greek Noun
Referring to Jesus' hometown, this title identifies Him with a specific, humble location in Galilee, often used by others to denote His human origin or background.
This encounter happens as Jesus is making his way toward Jerusalem for his final week, a journey filled with anticipation and growing tension.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples throughout Galilee.
Early-Mid 1st century AD
Jesus Travels to Jerusalem
Jesus and his disciples embark on a journey towards Jerusalem, a significant and often dangerous trek for a popular religious figure.
Early-Mid 1st century AD— this verse
Approach to Jericho
Jesus and his large following are nearing the city of Jericho, a bustling town on the route to Jerusalem.
Early-Mid 1st century AD
Healing of the Blind Man
A blind man, hearing Jesus is passing by, calls out for mercy and is healed by Jesus, demonstrating His power and compassion.
Early-Mid 1st century AD
Departure from Jericho
Following the healing, Jesus and his disciples continue their journey towards Jerusalem, with the healed man now following them.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Final Week in Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly, teaches in the Temple, and faces increasing opposition from religious authorities, leading to his crucifixion.
This passage also describes a man born blind, highlighting Jesus' power to bring sight to those who have never seen, emphasizing the divine nature of His healing.
Isaiah 35:5This prophecy foretells that when the Redeemer comes, 'the eyes of the blind shall be opened,' directly pointing to the miraculous healing of blindness as a sign of His Messianic identity.
Matthew 11:4-5Jesus Himself points to the healing of the blind as a key evidence of His ministry and that He is the promised Messiah, validating the significance of this event.
2 Corinthians 4:6This verse speaks of God shining the 'light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ' into our hearts, paralleling the physical opening of eyes with the spiritual enlightenment that comes from encountering Jesus.
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 18:37: "And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by."
And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. Some of the company answered him, that Jesus, the prophet of Nazareth, so much talked of, and said to be the Messiah, who was become so famous for his doctrines and miracles, for healing diseases, and dispossessing devils, was just "then" passing by; and this occasioned the noise and clamour.
The people identify Jesus not just as "Jesus," but specifically as "Jesus of Nazareth," highlighting that His growing reputation and miraculous deeds have preceded Him, making His name widely known. This detail shows that Jesus was no longer an obscure figure but a person of significant renown, whose passing was worth noting to a desperate beggar.
As Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind beggar hears a commotion and asks what's happening. Those around him tell him it's Jesus of Nazareth, a renowned healer, passing by, sparking his desperate plea for mercy. This moment marks the beginning of his faith-filled cry for healing, which will be met with both opposition and compassion.
As Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind beggar hears a commotion and asks what's happening. Those around him tell him it's Jesus of Nazareth, a renowned healer, passing by, sparking his desperate plea for mercy. This moment marks the beginning of his faith-filled cry for healing, which will be met with both opposition and compassion.
"They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”" — The people identify Jesus not just as "Jesus," but specifically as "Jesus of Nazareth," highlighting that His growing reputation and miraculous deeds have preceded Him, making His name widely known.…
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Last reviewed October 2026