Luke 18:42

Context

Luke 18:42 concludes the powerful account of Jesus healing a blind beggar near Jericho (Luke 18:35-43). The man, whose name is not given in Luke's Gospel (though he is identified as Bartimaeus in parallel accounts like Mark 10:46), was sitting by the wayside, crying out to Jesus with fervent persistence despite the crowd's attempts to silence him. His repeated cry, "Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me!" was a clear recognition of Jesus' messianic identity. Jesus, hearing his plea, stopped and called for him, asking, "What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?" The man's immediate response was, "Lord, that I might receive my sight." This verse, then, is Jesus' direct, compassionate, and powerful response to that request, highlighting the critical role of the man's faith.

Key Themes

• The Power of Faith: The most prominent theme is the transformative power of faith. Jesus explicitly states, "thy faith hath saved thee." This powerful declaration highlights that it was not merely Jesus' power, but the man's profound belief and trust that activated the miracle, serving as a profound example of how without faith it is impossible to please God.
• Holistic Salvation: The word "saved" here carries a dual meaning. While the immediate result was physical healing (receiving sight), the Greek word used, esōsen (from sōzō), often implies spiritual salvation or making one whole. This suggests that the man experienced not only a physical miracle but also a spiritual deliverance, becoming whole in God's eyes.
• Divine Compassion and Responsiveness: Jesus' willingness to stop for an outcast, despite the bustling crowd and the disciples' probable desire to move on, demonstrates His immense compassion and attentiveness to the cries of the marginalized and needy.
• Persistence in Prayer: The blind man's unwavering and loud cries illustrate the importance of persistent and earnest prayer, refusing to be silenced until one has reached the Lord.

Linguistic Insight

The crucial word in this verse is "saved" (KJV), which comes from the Greek verb sōzō (ἔσωσέν in this form). This verb has a broad range of meanings in the New Testament, including: to save, preserve, deliver, make whole, or heal. In this context, it clearly encompasses both the physical restoration of the man's sight and, by implication, a deeper spiritual wholeness or salvation. This dual meaning is also evident in other healing accounts where Jesus told the woman with the issue of blood, "Thy faith hath made thee whole" (Mark 5:34 KJV, where "made whole" is also from sōzō).

Practical Application

This verse offers profound lessons for believers today. It underscores that genuine faith is not passive but active, leading to bold requests and unwavering trust in God's ability to intervene. It reminds us that Jesus is compassionate and accessible, always willing to hear and respond to the cries of those who seek Him with sincerity. Furthermore, it highlights that God's work in our lives often extends beyond the immediate physical need, leading to a deeper, holistic transformation. The story encourages believers to approach God with bold, persistent faith, trusting in His compassion and power to respond, understanding that true salvation encompasses both spiritual and often physical transformation.