Two Encounters in Jericho

A cry from the roadside and a gaze up into a tree

Jericho · AD 30, spring · Mt 20:17–34 · Mk 10:32–52 · Lk 18:31–19:10

Story

By the dusty roadside of Jericho, blind Bartimaeus sat begging. As the crowd going up to Jerusalem passed by in a buzz of voices, he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing, and he cried out. Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. People scolded him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the louder.

Jesus stopped and told them to call him. Take heart. Get up. He is calling you. Throwing off his cloak, he sprang to his feet and came to Jesus. What do you want me to do for you? Teacher, I want to see again. Go. Your faith has made you well. At that moment his eyes were opened, and he followed Jesus along the road.

In that city lived a chief tax collector named Zacchaeus, and he was rich. He wanted to see Jesus, but he was short and the crowd hid him from view, so he ran on ahead and climbed a sycamore fig tree. When Jesus reached the spot, he stopped, looked up, and called to him. Zacchaeus, hurry and come down. Today I must stay at your house. He came down quickly and welcomed Jesus with joy, and said he would give half of his possessions to the poor. On this road Jesus had already told them, the Son of Man came to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

His Words

Zacchaeus, hurry and come down. Today I must stay at your house.

The Son of Man came to seek out and save those who are lost.

What would you like me to do for you?

Go. Your faith has made you well.

The Son of Man came not to be waited on but to serve others, and to give up his life as a ransom for many.

The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Mt 20:17–34 · Mk 10:32–52 · Lk 18:31–19:10

Background

Pause and Reflect