What does Luke 18:38 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 18:38 is part of the story of Jesus healing a blind man near Jericho.

The man hears the crowd and inquires about the commotion, learning that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.

Recognizing an opportunity for healing, he begins to shout, "Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me!" This plea is significant in several ways.

The man addresses Jesus with the messianic title "Son of David," acknowledging Jesus as the expected Messiah from the line of King David, a belief central to Jewish expectations of a savior.

His request for mercy is a plea for both compassion and healing from his physical blindness, leaning on a deeper faith in Jesus’ ability to restore him.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, the belief in a coming Messiah who would deliver Israel from its oppressors was prevalent among the Jewish people.

Calling Jesus "Son of David" explicitly identifies Him with this expectation.

In the Jewish tradition, the Messiah was anticipated to be a descendant of David, who was seen as one of Israel's greatest kings.

This incident is situated in Jericho, an ancient and significant city, which adds further importance to the event.

Notably, the beggar’s insistence on calling out to Jesus despite being rebuked by others shows the desperation and hope of those on the margins of society at that time.

Theological Insights

The term "Son of David" is theologically loaded as it not only identifies Jesus within the lineage of a great king but also suggests divine appointment and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

It’s a confession of Jesus' royal and messianic status.

This declaration contrasts with the often-secretive nature of Jesus' identity in the Gospels, referred to as the Messianic Secret.

The plea for mercy also touches on themes of God's compassion and grace, revealing a faith that recognizes Jesus' miraculous power.

One theological insight derived from this incident might be that genuine recognition of Jesus' identity and humble submission to his mercy opens the door for divine intervention.

Practical Applications

The verse offers several practical applications for modern believers.

It encourages persistence in prayer, even in the face of discouragement or opposition.

The blind man's call for mercy can serve as a model for how individuals should approach God, recognizing His sovereignty and seeking His grace with humility.

It also challenges believers to recognize and affirm the identity of Jesus in their lives, as the blind man did, and to have faith that He can intervene in difficult situations.

Cross-References

• Mark 10:47-48: "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."
• Matthew 9:27: "And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us."
• Matthew 22:42: "Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David."
• Isaiah 9:7: "Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, two key terms stand out:

1. Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous): Greek for "Jesus," the name holds significance as it means "Yahweh is salvation."
2. ἔλεος (eleos): Translated as "mercy," this term encompasses the ideas of compassion, pity, and clemency, implying the alleviation of suffering.

Examining the phrase "Son of David" in Greek, υἱὸς Δαυὶδ (huios David), highlights the recognition of Jesus as the descendant of King David and, therefore, as the Messiah.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The plea to a divine or semi-divine figure for mercy and healing is a theme found in various ancient cultures.

For instance, in Egyptian and Greco-Roman mythologies, gods were often implored for healing and favor.

Notably, the belief in a savior figure is not unique to Judaism and Christianity; many cultures have anticipated a deliverer or a king who would bring about an era of peace and righteousness.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of blindness and its treatment differ significantly from those at the time of Jesus. Today, blindness is well understood in terms of its physiological causes and can often be treated medically or managed effectively.

While the miraculous healing in the story transcends scientific explanation, the account reflects an ancient understanding of physical afflictions as conditions subject to divine intervention.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse. According to William Barclay, the blind man's use of "Son of David" is an affirmation of faith.

Some commentators, like John MacArthur, emphasize the significance of the blind man’s persistence despite being rebuked.

Others, like Matthew Henry, note the mercy of Christ in responding to the man's faith.

The blind man is often seen as an exemplar of faith and recognition of Jesus' messianic role and his calling out as an act of desperation mixed with hope and faith.