(Study Outline sourced from “The System Bible Study” – “The Book of Life” [Zondervan])
8. Blind Bartimaeus And Another Blind Man Healed
The details given differ in each of the three accounts: “…they came to Jericho…were leaving the city…” ; “…leaving Jericho” ; “…approached Jericho” , and this may account for the difference in the number of blind men as recorded by Mark and Luke (one) as opposed to Matthew (two). The results, however, were the same, “Immediately they received their sight…”.
In all three accounts our Lord is addressed by His Messianic Title – “Son of David”, Mark and Luke precedes the address by adding “Jesus”while Matthew adds “Lord”, all recognizing the true identity of our Lord Jesus Christ as he was, and is, the promised son of David who is to reign forever on David’s throne as indicated by the prophets . Their request was also the same “we want to see” and not only did they receive physical sight, they also saw the glory of God for they all, including the crowd of people following Jesus, “praised God” .
9. The Conversion Of Zacchaeus – The Parable Of The Minas (Pounds)
“He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner’” – The whole purpose of Jesus’ earthly ministry: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” And in order to do so He had to go where the sinners were, and the result here, as in all cases, is the conversion of the sinner. .
Zacchaeus’ conversion is seen in his immediate response to correct his wrongdoings; “Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” He was convicted of his sins and having repented he must do what the Law required, and even more .
Our Lord Jesus then teaches the parable of the Ten Minas (Pounds – KJV) in an attempt to quiet the enthusiasm of the crowds as He approached His coming entry to Jerusalem and what He knew would take place. “…he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once.” The Jews were hoping for and looking forward to their coming Messiah to deliver them from the control of the Romans. However, they did not fully understand what would be necessary for this to transpire. Such event could not be immediate, as The Son of Man had to be offered up as a sacrifice to God for the remission of mankind’s sin, be raised from the dead and be glorified before He could return in triumph to take His rightful place as King of all earth’s domains. The Jews, unfortunately, were not yet willing to acknowledge His kingship and would in a very short time reject Him completely as they would request His execution from the Roman emperor. Our Lord would have to return to His Father in heaven, be appointed King, and then on a future day return to earth to set up His Kingdom. In the meanwhile His servants are entrusted with their Master’s affairs and to make good use of what He has given to us to the furtherance of His kingdom.
Those that fail to use their Master’s gift will be judged accordingly; “….I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew…”– all genuine servants know full well what their Master expects of them, and are called to be faithful in all their deeds .
“But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them– bring them here and kill them in front of me.” Our Lord Jesus came into this world on His first advent to “seek and to save” sinners, and all such are called to accept His sacrifice for sin and to seek His forgiveness, and be faithful followers, thus crowning Him King of their lives. However, there are those who refuse and will continue to refuse His kingship and control of their lives, and will pay the ultimate penalty for their refusal – condemnation to the “second death” .
(Continued….)