152. The Blind Beggar Of Jericho.

And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. - Mark 10:49-50.

This man is a picture of what we would fain have every seeker of Christ to become.

In his lonely darkness, and deep poverty, he thought and became persuaded that Jesus was the Son of David. Though he had no sight, he made good use of his hearing. If we have not all gifts, let us use those which we have.

I. HE SOUGHT THE LORD UNDER DISCOURAGEMENTS.

1. No one prompted his seeking.

2. Many opposed his attempts. "Many charged him that he should hold his peace" (vs. 48).

3. For a while he was unheeded by the Lord himself.

4. He was but a blind beggar, and this alone might have checked some pleaders.

Let our hearers imitate his dogged resolution.

II. HE RECEIVED ENCOURAGEMENT.

This came from our Lord's commanding him to be called.

There are several kinds of calls which come to men at the bidding of our Lord Jesus. There is the—

1. Universal call. Jesus is lifted up that all who look to him may live (John 3:14-15). The gospel is preached to every creature.

2. Character call. To those who labor, and are heavy-laden. Many are the gospel promises which call the sinful, the mourning, the weary to Jesus (Isa. 4:7; Matt. 11:28; Acts 2:38-39).

3. Ministerial call. Given by the Lord's sent servants, and so backed by his authority (Acts 13:26,38-39; 16:31).

4. Effectual call. Sent home by the Holy Spirit. This is the calling of which we read, "whom he called, them he also justified" (Rom. 8:30).

III. BUT ENCOURAGEMENT DID NOT CONTENT HIM; HE STILL SOUGHT JESUS.

To stop short of Jesus and healing would have been folly indeed.

1. He arose. Hopefully, resolutely, he quitted his begging posture. In order to salvation we must be on the alert and in earnest.

2. He cast away his garment, and every hindrance. Our righteousness, our comfortable sin, our habit—anything, everything we must quit for Christ.

3. He came to Jesus. In the darkness occasioned by his blindness, he followed the Savior's voice.

4. He stated his case. "Lord, that I might receive my sight!"

5. He received salvation. Jesus said unto him, "Thy faith hath made thee whole." He obtained perfect eyesight; and in all respects he was in complete health.

IV. HAVING FOUND JESUS, HE KEPT TO HIM.

l. He used his sight to see his Lord.

2. He became his avowed disciple (See verse 52).

3. He went with Jesus on his way to the cross, and to the crown.

4. He remained a well-known disciple, whose father's name is given.

This man came out of cursed Jericho: are there not some to come from our slums and degraded districts?

This man at best was a beggar, but the Lord Jesus did not disdain his company. He was a standing glory to the Lord, for every one would know him as the blind man whose eyes had been opened.

Let seeking souls persevere under all drawbacks. Do not mind those who would keep you back. Let none hinder you from finding Christ and salvation.

Though blind, and poor, and miserable, you shall yet see, and smile, and sing, and follow Jesus.