“Seeing and believing”

Meditation – Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Luke 18: 31-43 (Forward, p. 28) CEV p. 1087.

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The Scriptures have a lot to say about seeing and believing. Certainly, the Pharisees and teachers of the Law were guilty of this big time. It might reasonably be asked why this was so, and many suggestions can be made. Certainly, they were fearful of change, change which, as Caiaphas stated might bring down the wrath of the Romans upon them when he said, “It is better for one man die for the sake of the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed” (John 11:50). It is also stated that Pilate knew envy was one of the things that motivated them (Matthew 27:18). They were seeking to use the Roman power to silence and eliminate a rival. But what I happen to think—which is even more basic—is that Jesus’ actions and claims did not fit into their theology, their worldview, their ideas about how God works in this world. And so they were blinded right from the ‘get go’, simply because they could entertain any alterative narratives.

I think that it was this same problem that lay at the root of the disciples’ inability to ‘get it’ when Jesus predicted his arrest, death, and resurrection. Those things simply did not compute, simply did not fit in with their long-standing of what the Messiah would be and do. And about Jesus’ words about dying and after three days being raised to life again, that was even worse.

And so, it doubly ironic that a man who was physically blind could also see clearly who Jesus was and put his faith in Him. It sort of puts all the rest to shame.

Given this narrative, I am faced with several questions, which probably apply to many of us. Firstly, when it is that fear, particularly fear of change, holds us back from seeing and believing? Or is there ever an envy that motivates us, namely that Jesus may dislodge certain things that are near and dear to us? Or is this that Jesus challenges our world view, our theology, and forces to rethink things, rethink what we know and do? Something to ponder and pray over, most certainly.

Forward notes: “Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’” (verse 39).

“In today’s gospel lesson, a man cries out for healing, and the crowd around him, as the text tells us, sternly orders him to be quiet. Why, I wonder? Why was this man, crying out for help, seeking to be healed, coming to God with all of his pain apparent, deemed so offensive to the people surrounding him?

“Perhaps the crowd was uncomfortable with this man’s vulnerability. I wonder if his brazen cries for help made the crowds uneasy; after all, in polite society, we’re supposed to take care of ourselves, answering that we’re doing ‘just fine, thank you,’ and bottling up all of our sadness.

“This man dared not only to speak of his pain but also shout it out to God. He was willing to risk being made a fool. And, when the crowd hushed him, the man shouted all the louder. I pray to have the same courage he did to cry out my need for God.”

Moving Forward: “Close your eyes and imagine you are in a crowd as Jesus walks by. What might you call out to him? Where would you find the courage to make a noise?”