What does Luke 18:39 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 18:39 captures a moment from the New Testament where a blind man, later identified as Bartimaeus in Mark’s Gospel, calls out to Jesus for mercy as he passes by.

Prior to this verse, the blind man has been informed that Jesus of Nazareth is approaching, and he begins to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Initially, the people leading the procession try to silence him, telling him to be quiet.

However, the blind man persists, shouting even louder for Jesus' attention.

This persistence exemplifies his deep faith in Jesus' ability to heal and his recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, as the title "Son of David" is a messianic reference.

In the context of the verse, Jesus responds to this demonstration of faith by stopping and commanding that the man be brought to him, subsequently healing him of his blindness.

Historical Context

Luke 18:39 is set in the historical context of Jesus' ministry in the region of Judea and specifically on his journey toward Jerusalem where he would eventually be crucified.

During this period, there was a great expectation among the Jews for the coming of the Messiah who was prophesied to be a descendant of David.

This particular event is believed to have taken place near Jericho, a city with a rich historical significance and an often-mentioned locale in biblical narratives.

The people's attempt to hush the blind man reflects a cultural tendency to marginalize those with disabilities, viewing them as lesser or unworthy of attention, which the man resists with his persistent cries for mercy.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints offer varying insights on this verse:

• Traditional Christian theology sees this as an example of Jesus' compassion and his willingness to respond to faith, regardless of societal norms.
• The focus on “Son of David” also suggests the fulfillment of Old Testament messianic prophecies, affirming Jesus' divine role.
• Some liberation theologians might emphasize the man's condition and marginalization, stressing the significance of Jesus’ attention to the oppressed and marginalized.
• Other scholars might focus on the eschatological (end times) implications of the messianic title and the coming of the Kingdom of God that Jesus' healing miracles signify.

Practical Applications

Practical applications of Luke 18:39 are:

• The encouragement to demonstrate persistence in prayer and faith, regardless of discouragement from others.
• The lesson that faith in Jesus' power and compassion can lead to transformative experiences.
• An admonition to the faithful to listen to and not silence those who are marginalized.
• An example of the importance of recognizing and proclaiming Jesus' identity boldly.

Cross-References

• Mark 10:48: "And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me."
• Matthew 20:31: "And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David."
• Psalm 51:1: "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of Luke 18:39, the phrase “Son of David” is Υἱὸς Δαυίδ (Huios David), with “υἱὸς” meaning “son” and directly tying Jesus to King David, a significant title in messianic expectations.

The Greek verb “ἐπετίμων” (epetimon) translated as “rebuked” carries a connotation of strong disapproval or correction, revealing the crowd's attitude toward the blind man's behavior.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

• In other ancient myths, individuals often call upon deities or heroes for help, but unlike the Greco-Roman myths where the gods might help capriciously, in the Judeo-Christian tradition, this help is related to faith and moral imperative.
• In some religious interpretations, such as Buddhism or Hinduism, the idea of calling out for divine mercy might be paralleled with invoking the help or favor of bodhisattvas or gods, but the contexts and implications differ due to variances in understandings of the divine and salvation.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might analyze the healing narrative as a psychosomatic occurrence, where the blind man's belief in Jesus' ability to heal could potentially influence a psychological state that leads to an improvement of his condition.

However, in a traditional religious view, such healing is considered a miracle beyond the explanation of medical science of that time and today.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians provide diverse insights on Luke 18:39:

• Some commentaries focus on the social implications of the crowd's attempt to silence the blind man, which demonstrates society's tendency to ignore the needs of the marginalized.
• Others emphasize the significance of Jesus' response as a demonstration of his messianic authority and mercy.
• There's often discussion about the blind man's recognition of Jesus as the messiah and how his faith was pivotal for his healing.
• Conservative commentators may highlight the historical authenticity of the narrative, defending it as a literal event with supernatural healing.
• Liberal scholars might analyze the text as part of a larger literary structure within Luke's Gospel, emphasizing its thematic elements rather than its historicity.