Luke 18:37 – “They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.'”
Extended Explanation
In response to the blind man’s question about what was happening, the crowd tells him that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. This statement might seem like a simple response, but it carries significant weight. For the blind man, hearing that Jesus is nearby means that this is his moment of opportunity—a chance for healing and restoration. The mention of Jesus triggers a response of faith, as the blind man immediately calls out to Him, recognizing Him as the promised Messiah.
The title “Jesus of Nazareth” reflects Jesus’ earthly origins. To many people, He was just a man from a small, insignificant town. But to those who had faith, He was much more than that—He was the Son of David, the one who had the power to heal and save. The blind man’s reaction in the following verses shows that he understood who Jesus truly was, even when others around him may not have.
Historical Context
Jesus was commonly referred to as “Jesus of Nazareth” during His ministry because Nazareth was the town where He had grown up. This title was used by both followers and critics of Jesus. While it identified His earthly background, it also revealed the humble nature of His life. Nazareth was not a prestigious or well-known place, and many people looked down on it. In fact, Nathaniel once asked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (John 1:46).
Despite His humble beginnings, Jesus’ reputation had grown because of His teachings and miracles. By the time He passed through Jericho, He was widely known as a healer, teacher, and possibly the Messiah. The fact that the crowd identified Him as “Jesus of Nazareth” shows that people knew who He was, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they understood His full identity as the Son of God.
The blind man, however, seems to know that Jesus is more than just a man from Nazareth. His reaction—calling out to Jesus as the “Son of David” (a Messianic title)—demonstrates his faith and understanding of Jesus’ role in God’s plan.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the importance of recognizing who Jesus really is. Many people in the crowd identified Jesus as “Jesus of Nazareth,” focusing on His earthly identity. But the blind man saw beyond that and recognized Him as the Messiah. This distinction is crucial. Simply knowing facts about Jesus (such as where He was from or what He did) is not enough. True faith involves understanding and accepting His role as Savior.
The blind man’s response also illustrates the concept of faith in action. He didn’t just acknowledge that Jesus was nearby—he acted on that knowledge by crying out to Him for mercy. His example shows that faith requires more than intellectual knowledge; it involves trust, dependence, and a willingness to seek Jesus personally.
Additionally, this verse reminds believers that God often works through ordinary and humble means. Jesus came from Nazareth, a place with no significant reputation, yet He was the one chosen to bring salvation to the world. This demonstrates that God’s power is not limited by human expectations or worldly status.
Literary Analysis
The verse is short but pivotal. It serves as a turning point in the narrative, moving the blind man from curiosity to action. The phrase “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by” carries urgency. It implies that this is a moment that won’t last forever—Jesus is on the move, and the blind man must act quickly if he wants to encounter Him.
The contrast between the crowd’s description of Jesus as “Jesus of Nazareth” and the blind man’s later identification of Him as the “Son of David” is also significant. This contrast highlights the difference between seeing Jesus with physical eyes and recognizing Him with spiritual insight.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 1:45-46 – “Philip found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ ‘Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?’ Nathanael asked.”
- Mark 10:47 – A parallel account where the blind man hears that Jesus of Nazareth is near and immediately calls out to Him as the “Son of David.”
- Isaiah 53:2 – “He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.”
- Acts 2:22 – “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.”
- Matthew 21:9 – “The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!'”
These references highlight how Jesus’ identity was often misunderstood or limited by His earthly origins, but those with spiritual insight recognized Him as the Messiah.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse is a reminder of the importance of recognizing who Jesus truly is. Many people know about Jesus or are familiar with His teachings, but not everyone understands His role as Savior. Like the blind man, believers are called to see Jesus not just as a historical figure or a good teacher but as the one who has the power to bring salvation and transformation.
This verse also emphasizes the importance of acting on faith. The blind man could have heard that Jesus was nearby and done nothing, but instead, he responded by calling out to Him. In the same way, Christians are encouraged to respond when they sense God’s presence and to trust that He is able to meet their needs.
Additionally, this verse challenges believers to consider how they describe Jesus to others. The crowd identified Him as “Jesus of Nazareth,” which was accurate but incomplete. Christians are called to share the full truth of who Jesus is—the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is demonstrated in the way Jesus is accessible to those who seek Him. Even though He is the Son of God, He is described here as “Jesus of Nazareth,” emphasizing His humanity and humility. God’s love is so great that He sent His Son to live among ordinary people, making Himself known to the poor, the sick, and the outcasts.
God’s love is also shown in the fact that He responds to faith. The blind man’s recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and his willingness to cry out to Him reveal a heart that trusts in God’s mercy. In the same way, God’s love is available to all who call on Him in faith.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly connects to Jesus as both a man and the Messiah. The title “Jesus of Nazareth” reminds us of His humanity and the humble circumstances of His life, but it also points to His role as the one who fulfills God’s promises. Jesus didn’t come to establish an earthly kingdom—He came to bring spiritual healing and salvation.
The blind man’s response in the following verses demonstrates that faith in Jesus is the key to receiving His blessings. Just as Jesus responded to the blind man’s cry for mercy, He responds to those who recognize Him as their Savior and place their trust in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you personally view Jesus? Is He just a historical figure, or do you see Him as your Savior and Lord?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of spiritual awareness and acting on faith?
- How can you help others move from knowing about Jesus to recognizing Him as the one who can transform their lives?
- In what ways have you experienced God responding to your faith when you cried out to Him for help?
- How does the humble description of Jesus as “Jesus of Nazareth” remind you of the importance of humility in your own life and faith?