Luke 18:40

And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} stood {G2476}, and commanded {G2753} him {G846} to be brought {G71} unto {G4314} him {G846}: and {G1161} when he {G846} was come near {G1448}, he asked {G1905} him {G846},

Yeshua stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he had come, Yeshua asked him,

Jesus stopped and directed that the man be brought to Him. When he had been brought near, Jesus asked him,

And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,

Commentary

Context

Luke 18:40 occurs during Jesus' final journey towards Jerusalem, as He passes through the city of Jericho. Immediately preceding this verse, a blind beggar had been crying out to Jesus, calling Him "Son of David," despite being rebuked by the crowd for his persistence. This section follows the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8), which emphasizes the importance of unceasing prayer and not giving up.

Key Themes

  • Divine Attention and Compassion: Jesus, despite being on a significant journey and surrounded by a crowd, stops specifically for an outcast and marginalized individual. This demonstrates His profound compassion and willingness to engage personally with those in need.
  • Overriding Obstacles: The crowd tried to silence the blind man, but Jesus' command to bring him near directly overrides their attempts, signifying that no human obstacle can prevent access to Him when one seeks Him with faith.
  • Intentional Engagement: Jesus' action of stopping and commanding the man to be brought to Him is deliberate and purposeful, setting the stage for a personal interaction and the subsequent miracle of healing.
  • Preparation for a Request: By asking "him," Jesus invites the man to articulate his need, dignifying him and requiring an expression of faith and desire, even though Jesus already knows what the man wants.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "Jesus stood" (Greek: ἔστη, estē) implies a deliberate and authoritative halt to His movement. It's not a casual pause but a purposeful action, signaling His immediate attention to the beggar's cries.
  • "Commanded" (Greek: ἐκέλευσεν, ekeleusen) is a strong verb, indicating Jesus' authority over the crowd and the situation. He issues a direct order, ensuring the man's access.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Jesus Hears: No matter how insignificant or overlooked you may feel, Jesus hears your cries and is willing to stop for you. Your persistence in prayer matters.
  • Overcoming Obstacles: Do not let discouragement or the negative opinions of others prevent you from seeking Jesus. He will always make a way for those who earnestly call upon Him.
  • Personal Engagement: Jesus desires a personal relationship and interaction with us. He doesn't just perform miracles from a distance; He draws us near and invites us to express our needs and desires.
  • Dignity in Need: Jesus treats everyone with dignity, even the marginalized. He doesn't assume; He asks, inviting us to voice our faith and deepest longings.
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Cross-References

  • Matthew 20:31 (2 votes)

    And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, [thou] Son of David.

  • Matthew 20:34 (2 votes)

    So Jesus had compassion [on them], and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

  • Mark 10:48 (2 votes)

    And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, [Thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.

  • Mark 10:52 (2 votes)

    And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.