The Persistent Widow
“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” they told him. Luke 18:37 · Berean Standard Bible
The people tell him: Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. Those five words are all he needs. Something in him knows this is his moment.
The blind man has clearly heard about Jesus before — his reputation as a healer has preceded Him. The moment he hears the name, he knows what to do.
The crowd casually tells the blind man who's passing by, not realizing they're setting up a miracle.
The crowd gives him the answer he needed. Jesus is right here, right now. And this man isn't going to let the moment pass. He's heard enough about Jesus to know this is his chance.
The crowd identifies the cause of commotion: 'Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.' The designation 'of Nazareth' (ho Nazōraios) identifies Jesus by His hometown, a common identifier in the Gospels.
The crowd functions as unwitting evangelists, providing the blind man with the information he needs. 'Passing by' (parerchetai) carries theological weight — Jesus' presence creates a moment of opportunity that must be seized.
The crowd answers the blind man's inquiry, identifying Jesus of Nazareth as the one passing through.
The crowd tells him it's Jesus of Nazareth. That's all the blind man needs to hear. He now knows who is near, and his response will reveal just how much he already believes.
35As Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting beside the road, begging.
36When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening.
37“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” they told him.
38So he called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
39Those who led the way admonished him to be silent, but he cried out all the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Read all of Luke 18 — A stubborn widow, a humble tax collector, and a rich ruler who can't let go. Jesus shows that the kingdom belongs to those who won't give up and won't pretend.
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