14th Sunday of Luke
Sometimes, something is so obvious we miss it.
Perhaps, it’s a sign you drive by every day.
Perhaps, there’s a poem or piece of literature you’ve read a hundred times, but then you had a new revelation about what it meant.
Sometimes, things are a mystery until you’ve been given the secret key.
The healing of the blind man is one of those aha! moments.
Right before today’s reading, Jesus explained to his disciples that he must be mocked, abused, spit upon, beaten, and killed for God’s redemption to come about.
They didn’t get it.
Ironically, though, the blind man saw exactly what Jesus meant.
Scripture: Luke 18:35-43 (click here to read)
Bottom Line: Hindsight is 20/20, but until then, it’s best to hope and trust God.
Discussion Questions
- When, in your life, did things look bleak but turn out OK in the end? How was God working in your life at that time?
- Scripture says that the blind man first heard, then he saw. What it does it mean to hear the Son of God? What does it mean then to see after hearing? When have you heard Christ in your life? How did you respond?
- Having faith and hope is about bringing healing and new life to tough situations. Name a time in your life where you did that? What was it like to birth new life to something dead? How can you continue to do that?
Moving Forward
Life is full of disasters.
In that moment, life looks bleak.
It may seem like there’s no way forward. And, it may seem like you’re doomed to fail.
In my previous parish, when our roof trusses collapsed, we found ourselves homeless. We were like the Hebrews wandering in the desert. We weren’t sure what the future held.
Now, here at St. George, we’ve experienced a fire that has also displaced us. From our perspective today, we are left asking, “Why?”
When Jesus first tells the disciples about his death, they didn’t understand. It was a mystery.
Then, at his crucifixion, they ran away in fear.
They probably also wondered, “Why?”
However, through Christ’s death comes new life.
This event brings a fresh perspective.
It was the opportunity that allowed the disciples to move forward and change the world.
When we experience disasters, God is still with us.
And, just like the disciples, we too have a golden opportunity to bring new life to a desperate situation.
Changing Your Mind
“And Jesus said to him, ‘See again; your faith has saved you.’” (Luke 18:42)
Jesus, please stay with us!