Luke 18:36 – “When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the blind man, sitting by the roadside in Jericho, hears the noise of a large crowd passing by and asks what’s going on. Since he is blind, he cannot see what’s happening, but his other senses are heightened. The sound of the crowd signals to him that something important is happening, and he is curious to find out. His simple question sets the stage for one of the most significant encounters in his life—an encounter with Jesus that will change everything.
The blind man’s awareness and curiosity reveal an important truth: even though he is physically blind, he is spiritually awake. Unlike others who may have ignored Jesus or taken His presence for granted, the blind man senses that this moment is worth investigating. His desire to understand what is happening shows a heart that is open to the possibility of something greater.
Historical Context
In the first century, public events and processions often attracted large crowds. Jericho, a major city near the road to Jerusalem, was a common stop for travelers, especially during religious festivals like Passover. Crowds traveling to Jerusalem would have been noisy, with people talking, animals moving, and children playing. For a blind man who relied on the generosity of passersby, hearing a crowd could be a chance to receive more alms.
However, this wasn’t just any crowd—it was the crowd following Jesus. His reputation as a teacher, healer, and miracle worker had spread, and many people followed Him, hoping to witness something extraordinary. For the blind man, this was more than an ordinary event. He was about to discover that the person at the center of the commotion was the one who could give him sight and change his life forever.
Theological Implications
This verse illustrates an important theological truth: faith often begins with curiosity and a desire to understand. The blind man’s question shows that he is paying attention and seeking answers. His response is a model for those who are spiritually seeking—when we hear the “noise” of God working around us, we should be curious and ask questions that lead us closer to Him.
The blind man’s awareness also highlights the concept of spiritual sensitivity. Even though he couldn’t see, he was in tune with what was happening around him and recognized that this moment was significant. In contrast, many people who could physically see Jesus missed the significance of His presence. This suggests that spiritual insight is not dependent on physical abilities but on a heart that is open to God’s truth.
This verse also reminds us of the importance of seeking answers when we encounter God’s work. The blind man didn’t sit silently—he asked questions, which led to his eventual healing. In the same way, those who seek God with genuine hearts will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).
Literary Analysis
The verse is brief but meaningful. The phrase “he heard the crowd going by” emphasizes the blind man’s reliance on his hearing and the way he compensates for his lack of sight. His question, “What is happening?” signals a turning point in the narrative. It shows that he is not content to remain on the sidelines—he is ready to engage and find out what is going on.
This moment creates suspense and anticipation. The reader knows that Jesus is the one passing by, but the blind man doesn’t know that yet. His question sets up the dramatic moment when he will discover who Jesus is and cry out for mercy.
Biblical Cross-References
- Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
- Matthew 7:7-8 – “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
- Mark 10:46 – A parallel account of the blind man’s encounter with Jesus, where he begins by asking what is happening.
- John 9:1-3 – Another story of Jesus healing a blind man, emphasizing that God’s works are revealed through healing and restoration.
- Psalm 34:4 – “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
These verses highlight the importance of seeking God, asking questions, and trusting that He will reveal Himself to those who seek Him.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse serves as a reminder to stay spiritually aware and curious. Just as the blind man listened for what was happening around him, believers should be attentive to the ways God is working in their lives and the world. When they sense God’s presence or activity, they should seek to understand it, just as the blind man asked what was happening.
This verse also encourages believers to be bold in seeking answers. The blind man didn’t hesitate to ask questions, and his curiosity ultimately led him to Jesus. In the same way, Christians should feel free to bring their questions and doubts to God, trusting that He welcomes their curiosity and desires to reveal His truth to them.
Additionally, this verse is a reminder to pay attention to those who are spiritually seeking. The crowd could have easily ignored the blind man’s question, but his persistence and faith led to a miraculous encounter. Christians are called to be aware of those around them who are asking spiritual questions and to point them to Jesus as the answer.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in the way He draws people to Himself, even through simple moments like a blind man hearing a crowd pass by. The blind man’s curiosity wasn’t random—it was part of God’s plan to lead him to Jesus. This shows that God works in everyday circumstances to reveal Himself to those who seek Him.
God’s love is also seen in the fact that He doesn’t require perfect understanding before we come to Him. The blind man didn’t fully understand who Jesus was at first, but his desire to know more led him to the truth. God meets people where they are and guides them step by step toward a deeper understanding of His love and grace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is part of a larger story that highlights Jesus’ compassion and power. As the blind man seeks answers, he will eventually learn that Jesus is the one passing by. Jesus’ response to the blind man shows that He is not only a teacher and healer but also the Savior who brings light to those in darkness.
Jesus’ interaction with the blind man reflects His mission to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Just as He stopped to respond to the blind man’s faith, He responds to those who seek Him today. His willingness to heal and restore shows that He is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah who would bring sight to the blind and freedom to the oppressed (Isaiah 61:1).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you be more spiritually aware of the ways God is working in your life and the world around you?
- What questions do you have about your faith or God’s plan for your life? How can you seek answers like the blind man did?
- How does this verse encourage you to be persistent in seeking God, even when you don’t fully understand what’s happening?
- In what ways can you help others who are spiritually curious or seeking answers?
- How does this story of the blind man remind you of times when God revealed Himself to you in unexpected ways?