Summary

The sermon focuses on a story from Luke 18:31-43, contrasting the spiritual blindness of Jesus' disciples with the faith of a physically blind beggar in Jericho. Despite spending three years with Jesus, the disciples failed to understand Jesus' prophecies about his death and resurrection, while the blind man, who had only heard about Jesus secondhand, recognized Him as the Messiah (Son of David) and was healed through his faith.



Intro Prayer

Lord Jesus, as we gather to discuss Your Word, open our spiritual eyes just as You opened the eyes of the blind man in Jericho. Help us to see You clearly with the eyes of faith, and give us wisdom to understand and apply these truths to our lives. Guide our discussion and help us grow closer to You through it. Amen.



Ice Breaker

Can you share about a time when you missed something that was obvious to others but you couldn't see it at first?



Key Verses

Luke 18:31-34

Luke 18:35-43

Isaiah 53:2-7



Questions

Why do you think the disciples, who spent so much time with Jesus, failed to understand His predictions about His death and resurrection?



What does the blind man's persistence in calling out to Jesus despite others telling him to be quiet teach us about faith?



How does the blind man's recognition of Jesus as 'Son of David' demonstrate his spiritual insight?



What's the significance of Jesus asking the blind man 'What do you want me to do for you' when his need seems obvious?



How does Jesus distinguish between physical healing and being made 'well' through faith in this passage?



In what ways might we be spiritually blind today while thinking we can see clearly?



What does it mean that 'Jesus is passing by' in our lives today?



How can we develop the kind of faith that the blind man demonstrated?





Life Application

This week, take time each day to examine areas where you might be spiritually blind. Ask God to reveal places where you're missing His work in your life or failing to understand His truth. Then, like the blind man, persistently call out to Jesus for spiritual sight and deeper faith.



Key Takeaways

True spiritual sight is first a matter of the heart, not physical vision

Faith in Jesus as the Messiah is more valuable than physical healing

Sometimes those closest to Jesus can be the most blind to His truth

Persistent faith that recognizes Jesus' true identity leads to transformation



Ending Prayer

Heavenly Father, like the blind man, we cry out 'Son of David, have mercy on us.' Open our spiritual eyes to see You more clearly and understand Your truth more deeply. Help us to persist in faith even when others discourage us, and grant us the courage to respond when You are passing by in our lives. May our faith make us truly well. In Jesus' name, Amen.