What does Luke 18:37 mean?

Explanation

Luke 18:37 presents a brief moment during Jesus of Nazareth's journey when the crowd informed a blind man that Jesus was passing by.

The literal meaning of this verse is straightforward: it narrates an incident where Jesus was traveling, and His presence stirred the attention of those nearby.

The deeper significance lies in the response this news elicits and what it represents.

The blind man, realizing that the healer and teacher he had likely heard about was near, would become filled with hope and anticipation.

There is an underlying message about recognition and seizing the opportunity, which can be interpreted spiritually as a call to be attentive to when Jesus is near and to act upon that realization.

Historical Context

The historical context of Luke 18:37 is situated in the ministry of Jesus as recorded by Luke around AD 60-80.

The verse is part of a larger narrative where Jesus travels to Jerusalem and encounters a blind man near Jericho ([Luke 18:35-43](/new-testament/luke/18/35/what-does-luke-18-35-mean)).

During this time, Jesus' reputation as a healer and miracle worker had grown, and people would often seek Him out for healing and teaching.

In the Jewish cultural setting, physical ailments like blindness were often seen as impediments not just physically but also socially and spiritually.

The passing of Jesus through any town or area would naturally draw attention and people would gather in hopes of witnessing or receiving some of his miraculous works.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Luke 18:37 illustrates God's accessibility through Jesus.

The verse contributes to the understanding of Jesus as the Messiah who did not distance Himself from the needy but walked among them, attending to their cries for help.

Theologically, it can also be viewed from a Christological stance, pointing to Jesus as the light of the world who provides sight (physical and spiritual) to those who live in darkness.

Different theological viewpoints might emphasize Christ's compassion and the fulfillment of prophecies regarding the nature of His miracles and ministry.

Practical Applications

Practically, the verse can inspire individuals to be aware of the opportunities to encounter Jesus in their lives.

This can be through prayer, worship, community, and acts of service.

It also encourages the practice of informing and including those who might be in the dark, spiritually or otherwise, so they too have a chance to draw near to God.

The call to Christians is to be like the crowd, who acted as messengers informing the blind man that Jesus was present and available.

Cross-References

• Mark 10:47: "And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me."
• Luke 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:"
• John 9:5: "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
• Isaiah 35:5: "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by" is Ιησοῦς ὁ Ναζωραῖος παρέρχεται (Iēsous ho Nazōraios parerchetai).

The verb "parerchetai" comes from "parerchomai," which means to pass by or to pass away.

It's in the present tense, indicating a current and ongoing action.

"Nazōraios" (of Nazareth) is a geographical identifier which also carries Messianic connotations since prophets had foretold that the Messiah would come from Nazareth, fulfilling the expectation of Jesus as the promised savior.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, figures with miraculous abilities like those of Jesus were revered and sometimes feared.

Figures such as Asclepius in Greek mythology were known for their healing powers, and people traveled great distances to seek their aid.

The way people responded to Jesus in the Gospels parallels how followers of various religions approached their deities or prophets.

However, the key difference lies in the nature of Jesus' miracles, which are performed as signs pointing to the Kingdom of God.

Scientific Perspectives

The passage does not directly intersect with modern scientific understandings in terms of the blind man's condition or the concept of Jesus passing by.

However, scientific disciplines such as psychology and sociology might explore the crowd's behavior and reactions to an influential figure or event, analyzing group dynamics and the spread of information amongst participants.

Commentaries

Commentary on this verse from various experts might include discussions on the fulfillment of Messianic expectations, the social setting in which Jesus' miracles were performed, and the significance of the blind man's faith.

For instance, commentators like Matthew Henry would highlight the mercy of Jesus and His willingness to respond to those in need.

John Calvin might focus on the sovereignty of Jesus in choosing to pass by that particular place at that particular time.

Modern scholars examine the text in its literary and historical context, also considering the social implications of the events described in the Gospels.