What Do You Need?

Scripture Text

Luke 18:35-43

Intro: Many people go through life doing things the same old way and expecting different results. This story from the bible gives us five things that a person must do to change an unwanted lifestyle or to receive any need from God. May God reveal to us today through His Spirit the power, compassion and love of Jesus Christ toward people who seek Him.

I. We must recognize our need. Luke 18:35 (NKJV) Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging.

 a. What is the greatest need in your life? Be very specific!

 b. This man was blind and poor. He was as needful as one could be!

II. People must hear about Jesus. Luke 18:36-37 (NKJV) ³⁶ And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. 37 So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.

 a. The purpose of the church. Romans 10:14 (NKJV) How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? The very reason the church exists is to preach the gospel of the Kingdom. Matthew 9:35 (NKJV)  Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

III. We must believe the word concerning who Jesus is? Luke 18:38 (NKJV)  And he cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

 a. The blind man believed the Old Testament scriptures concerning who Jesus really was.

 b. Son of David was the Jewish name for the Messiah whom God prophesied would come to save them and be their King and rule and reign over the earth.

 c. The New testament tells us that Jesus is the only begotten of the Father. He has come so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. We must believe He is the Son of God and possesses the awesome power and authority of God over everything.

     Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)  And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

IV. We must cry out in earnest and persistent prayer to Jesus. Luke 18:38-39 (NKJV) ³⁸ And he cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" ³⁹ Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" What if he hadn’t asked? There  were many people around Jesus but they didn’t ask!

 a. Don’t be discouraged by people. Some will try to dissuade you from praying for your earnest need. Some of the people with Jesus rebuked the blind man. They tried to silence and stop him from crying out to the Lord. He had every reason to be discouraged, for he was blind and could not see to make his way through the crowd. All he could do was shout out even though they were trying to stop him from doing that. He could have easily quit and given up, for it seemed so useless. He would not quit and would not be silenced. Jesus was his hope, the only chance he had for mercy. No other man could have mercy upon him or meet his need. For a true change in your life to happen, Jesus is the only One who can make the change needed.

     We must come to Him in believing, trusting faith. Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)  But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of [those who diligently seek Him.]

V. Jesus responds to our earnest persistent prayer of faith.  Luke 18:40-41 (NKJV) ⁴⁰ So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, ⁴¹ saying, "What do you want Me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, that I may receive my sight."

 a. Must be specific in our prayers. [v:41] Sincere prayers are to be specific.

 b. The blind man believed in the One who stood before Him, believing what he had heard: that this Jesus was the Messiah who possessed the very power of God. He was able to do anything, so the blind man asked for the greatest need in his life to be met. There was no need to ask for anything less, for Jesus was the One possessing the power of God. In verse 42 Jesus answered his prayer request! his faith had made him whole Jesus said! Jesus is asking, “What do you want Me to do for you?

Invitation: If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord, you definitely need a change in your life. You need the change that Christ’s forgiveness brings. You must be born again the bible says to be able to have eternal life in Heaven. Confess your sins against God to Jesus and ask Him to forgive and save you from Hell right now.