Jesus, Have Mercy on Me!
As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
(Luke 18:35–38)
Poor and blind, sitting by the roadside, this beggar is indeed a fitting example of the world for which Jesus came to seek and to save. Helpless to change his condition, this man sits by the road begging. You can almost hear his cup shaking with the few coins he has received. And all the while he is pleading, “Can you spare anything for my empty cup? I am so needy, is there nothing you can give me? Can someone please help this contemptible state I am in?” This poor man needs more than anyone has the ability or wherewithal to give. Any coin that may have been thrown his way would still leave his cup clanging, a constant reminder of his needs never being fully met and the emptiness of his soul.
Enter on the scene the Living Water. When that precious water enters our cups they overflow leaving no room for want.
The world’s “water” satisfies for only a season and then we are left shaking our cups once again. The living water which Jesus offers provides us with continual satisfaction of needs and desires we all thirst for. Jesus gives life that is not constricted but overflowing.
“Great symbolic value is here in Luke’s account. The man was a beggar sitting by the side of the road, waiting for something to happen. He was blind and could do nothing to improve his condition. The Messiah came through his town (as He had walked through many towns). Immediately the blind man recognized Him as the Messiah, the One who could save him from his blindness. Spiritual outcasts, unable to help themselves, far more readily recognized the Messiah and asked for His help than did the Jewish religious leaders. The man had faith in the Messiah, and it was the Messiah’s power that had healed him (cf. 7:50; 17:19). In the same way, if the nation had faith in the Messiah, their faith would have healed them of their spiritual blindness. As a result of the man’s healing, he and all the people who saw the miracle praised God.” (Bible Knowledge Commentary)
The beggar cries out with faith and fervency to Jesus for mercy and favor. He believes Jesus is able to help him. Do we believe as he? Jesus is able to come to our aid! Jesus is able to come to our rescue! Jesus is able to meet our need! Jesus is able to fill our empty cups! Jesus is able!
I love Psalm 91, which I lovingly deem the “I will” Psalm of God. Two passages speak clearly and beautifully of God’s willing protection, refuge, faithfulness, love, mercy, and satisfaction. We are blessed by His wonderful provision.
–Matthew Henry
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. (Psalm 91:4)
“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:14–16)
The guilt and power of sin will weary any soul and leave us crying for mercy. Conversely, Jesus offers rest for the weary and lightness for the burden that we are groaning under.
Take It to Heart
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)
