This is an exposition of Luke 18:31-43. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, September 10, 2017.
Intro:
It was a day like any other. He got up before dawn, as was his custom. It takes him a little longer to get moving these days – he’s not as young as he used to be. Sleeping on the sidewalk is difficult for a man his age. Wrapping his dirty, greasy robe around himself and running his fingers through his matted hair he picks up his cane and starts tapping his way down the familiar streets on his way to the city gate. He’s well known in Jericho.
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Oh, they don’t know his name they just know he’s the blind beggar that sets at the North gate of the city. Along the way he begs a few pieces of bread from a couple of venders. The city is beginning to wake up. The sound of donkey hooves striking the stones, of carts moving along streets. The sounds of various street venders setting up shop. It’s Passover season – so today maybe a good day for a beggar. There will be large crowds passing through on their way to Jerusalem.
When he reaches the gate he settles into his normal spot. He knows the routine. It’s a day just like the hundreds of days that preceded it. Little did he know that it was not just another day. Today he would meet a man who would dramatically and eternally alter his life. His story is found in the 18th chapter of the Gospel of Luke.
Text: Luke 18:31-43
The storm clouds are swirling.
Murderous plots are being hatched in Jerusalem.
Jesus is more determined than ever.
The disciples feel the intensity but still do not understand.
History’s pivotal moment is here.
Redemption is nigh.
The door to the Kingdom is about to open.
Our Lord pulled the twelve aside and talked to them about what was about to unfold (31-34). He has been discussing these things for months now. As the time approaches he gets very specific. Note the details. “Everything written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.” The apostles are stunned and confused. Luke says they did not understand any of this. What’s not to understand?
The problem is that their system had no room for a suffering and dying Messiah! How is the Son of God – the Messiah – spit upon, flogged and killed? They just could not accept it. For the last three and a half years they have walked with him. They have set at his feet. They have seen his miracles. They themselves did miracles in his name. Yet they did not see.
As we explore his story we learn a valuable spiritual lesson.
Thesis: The heart of the Savior graciously responds to the desperate cry of the needy.
What is Luke’s purpose in writing?
Luke wanted his friend to understand who Jesus was and to believe/trust in him.
He wants Theophilus to understand Jesus is the holy one of God and the gentle, loving savior.
There are three things I want us to note in this text.
- Genuine faith is born out of desperation. (18:35-37)
- Genuine faith refuses to be silenced. (18:38-39)
- Genuine faith touches the heart of the Savior. (18:40-42)
Conclusion:
This is the heart of the Savior responding to the heartfelt cry of the hurting.
This is the heart of the Gospel.
This man was not deserving of this great miracle.
He had no right to expect or demand anything from the master.
He cried out for mercy and his faith touched the heart of the Savior.
Regardless of what you stand in need of this morning – I want to encourage you to call out to the Savior. Call in faith, believing, trusting in the mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus. Call out in faith – confident that the Savior can be trusted to do what is right and good and perfect. Trust in Him for the Heart of the Savior graciously responds to the desperate cry of the needy. [/section] [/sections]