Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem, a 20 mile uphill walk, going from 905 feet below sea level in Jericho to 2474 feet above sea level in Jerusalem. 

It takes a long day of walking... but that's not what made it difficult for Jesus or the disciples. In our New Testament lesson (Luke 18:31-43) Jesus again explains to the disciples that he knows he is walking up to Jerusalem to suffer and die for them. The disciples still can't believe their ears. 

Praise God for the persistent love of our Savior for disciples like us who struggle to understand. 

But before Jesus takes that walk, there are two acts of mercy to celebrate. Luke doesn't mention the name of Bartimaeus and his friend.  Tomorrow he will mention Zacchaeus' name. This is another example of the Son of David having mercy on me, a doubting sinner. Jesus provides three independent witnesses to this miracle.

Three independent witnesses to Jesus' mercy

Mark mentions Bartimaeus by name. It is likely that Mark (or Peter his mentor) knew Bartimaeus personally.

Matthew doesn't mention Bartimaeus' name, but does mention he had a friend with him. Matthew likely didn't know the names of the men, but he was there and saw the event.

And Luke mentions only one blind man, but he is the only gospel writer to mention Zacchaeus. Could it be that Zacchaeus, or one of his relatives/friends, was the witness that Luke interviewed? 

I have to be honest, this is conjecture on my part... why the differences in the gospel accounts. They are simply my way of putting myself back into the lives of the inspired Gospel authors and appreciating that each of them had different sources of information. Again, they are independent witnesses that the Son of David had mercy on a blind man, and that assures me that the Son of David went up to Jerusalem to have mercy on me. 

"Have mercy on me," the prayer of a blind man, is a simple prayer that we can make our own, whatever our need.

Joining David in praying to the Son of David

The blind man called Jesus "Son of David." We continue to read the inspired songs of his father King David (Psalms 30-34 ).  Because we are reading through psalms so quickly, I encourage you to highlight key verses or jot a note to help you find the right psalm at the right time. Here are mine. 

• Psalm 30 – "Wailing into dancing" – David enduring so much sorrow in his life, but God could give him joy. 
• Psalm 31 – When I'm distressed, let me see Your face shine (smile) upon me. 
• Psalm 32 – When guilt crushes me. Today I paused to celebrate the "Selah's" at the end of verses 4, 5 and 7. It was probably a musical interlude... a pause to think about the truths that unconfessed sin is a heavy burden, that there is forgiveness with the LORD, and I can find a place to hide in the loving arms of my Savior God.
• Psalm 33 – My plans fail, but God’s plans succeed. Today we wonder.... will there be a peace treaty signed in the Middle East? On this day of uncertainty, this psalm a wonderful reminder that the best protection for our nation is that we be a people "whose God is the LORD."
• Psalm 34 – Taste and see that the LORD is good. He hears and answers my prayers.