Luke 18:38
And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Luke 18:38
And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This blind man doesn't just ask for mercy; by calling Jesus "Son of David," he’s boldly proclaiming his belief that Jesus is the promised Messiah, not just a healer. This title, "Son of David," was a direct reference to the royal lineage and the hope of a divinely appointed King, revealing a profound theological insight even in his desperate plea.
As Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind beggar hears the commotion of a crowd passing by and learns it's Jesus. Despite the multitude trying to silence him, he desperately cries out, acknowledging Jesus as the "Son of David" and begging for mercy. This outcry is the pivotal moment of his plea, happening just before Jesus stops and calls for him to be brought near.
Imagine sitting by the roadside, blind, with a roaring crowd passing by. You hear Jesus is near. What do you do? This man's cry reveals a desperate, urgent faith.
This man's situation was dire: blind, begging, and likely overlooked by the bustling crowds. Yet, the moment he heard Jesus was approaching, something ignited within him. He didn't just passively hope for healing; he cried out.
A Cry Against the Crowd
Notice the context: Jesus was surrounded by a multitude, and others tried to silence the blind man. But his need was too great, his hope in Jesus too strong, to be deterred. He cried out the more.
The Content of His Cry
His plea, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!' wasn't just a random shout. He recognized Jesus, not just as a passerby, but as the promised Messiah, the 'Son of David,' who had the power and compassion to help him.
Why did this man call Jesus 'Son of David'? It wasn't just a casual greeting; it was a loaded theological statement that revealed his deep understanding of who Jesus was.
The title 'Son of David' was rich with meaning for the Jews. It pointed directly to the Messiah, the promised King from the line of David, who would bring salvation and restoration.
Recognizing the King
By using this title, the blind man wasn't just acknowledging Jesus's human identity; he was confessing Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the one prophesied to open the eyes of the blind and usher in God's kingdom.
A Plea for Mercy from the King
Coupled with 'have mercy on me,' the plea became a profound recognition of Jesus's divine authority and compassionate heart. He wasn't just asking a stranger for help; he was appealing to the Messiah for the mercy only He could provide.
Understand the original words
huie Dauid · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title acknowledging Jesus as the promised descendant of David, who would occupy the throne of David eternally. By using this title, the blind man identifies Jesus as the Messiah of Israel.
eleēson · Greek Verb
In a biblical context, this is a plea for God's gracious intervention based not on the merit of the one asking, but on the character and compassion of God. It reflects a posture of humility and a recognition of one's total dependence on God's favor.
The blind man's cry, "Jesus, Son of David," wasn't just a plea for help; it was a bold declaration of faith in Jesus as the promised Messiah during a time when this title was deeply significant and anticipated.
c. 200 BC - 20 BC
The Title 'Son of David' Becomes Widely Messianic
During the Second Temple period, the title 'Son of David' increasingly became associated with the promised Messiah, drawing on Old Testament prophecies.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee and Judea
Jesus travels and teaches throughout the region, performing numerous miracles, including healing the blind, drawing large crowds.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Approaches Jericho
Jesus and his disciples are on the road to Jericho, a significant city in Judea, where this healing miracle occurs.
c. AD 30
Healing of Bartimaeus
A blind beggar named Bartimaeus hears Jesus passing and cries out to him, receiving his sight through faith.
This passage describes two blind men crying out the same plea, 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us,' highlighting the significance of this Messianic title and the earnestness of their faith in Jesus.
Mark 10:47Mark's account of the same event also records the blind man's cry, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me,' emphasizing the desperation and faith present in this plea.
1 Samuel 15:22This verse speaks about obedience being better than sacrifice, indirectly connecting to the blind man's desperate cry for mercy as an act of faith that God honors.
Psalm 51:1The Psalmist's plea, 'Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love,' echoes the blind man's cry for mercy, showing a timeless human need for God's compassion.
Acts 4:12This verse declares that there is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved, underscoring why calling on Jesus, the Son of David, was the only hope for the blind man's healing and salvation.
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 18:38: "And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me."
And he cried, saying, Jesus thou son of David,.... Believing him, at once, to be the Messiah; whence he calls him the son of David, which was a character and title of the Messiah, well known to the Jews; See Gill on Matthew 1:1 and therefore immediately called out unto him, being willing to take that opportunity as he passed, and whilst he was within hearing, to make his suit to him for his sight: saying, have mercy…
This blind man doesn't just ask for mercy; by calling Jesus "Son of David," he’s boldly proclaiming his belief that Jesus is the promised Messiah, not just a healer. This title, "Son of David," was a direct reference to the royal lineage and the hope of a divinely appointed King, revealing a profound theological insight even in his desperate plea.
As Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind beggar hears the commotion of a crowd passing by and learns it's Jesus. Despite the multitude trying to silence him, he desperately cries out, acknowledging Jesus as the "Son of David" and begging for mercy. This outcry is the pivotal moment of his plea, happening just before Jesus stops and calls for him to be brought near.
As Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind beggar hears the commotion of a crowd passing by and learns it's Jesus. Despite the multitude trying to silence him, he desperately cries out, acknowledging Jesus as the "Son of David" and begging for mercy. This outcry is the pivotal moment of his plea, happening just before Jesus stops and calls for him to be brought near.
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In his desperation, the blind man didn't ask for wealth, status, or even just sight. His ultimate request was for 'mercy.' What does this tell us about our deepest needs?
The core of the blind man's cry was 'have mercy on me.' This reveals a profound understanding that his condition, and indeed all human brokenness, stems from a need for God's unmerited favor.
Beyond Physical Sight
While his immediate need was physical sight, his plea for mercy suggests a deeper awareness of his overall helpless state. It’s a cry that acknowledges his own inability to fix his situation and his complete dependence on God's gracious intervention.
The Foundation of Healing
Jesus, moved by compassion, responds to this plea. The healing wasn't just a transaction; it was an outpouring of God's mercy, initiated by Jesus's divine pity and kindness. This mercy is the very foundation upon which spiritual healing and restoration are built.
c. AD 30
Jesus Enters Jerusalem for Passover
Shortly after the events in Jericho, Jesus makes his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, leading to his crucifixion.
"And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”" — This blind man doesn't just ask for mercy; by calling Jesus "Son of David," he’s boldly proclaiming his belief that Jesus is the promised Messiah, not just a healer. This title, "Son of David," was a…