THE WORD THIS WEEKEND

Jericho is an ancient town - the oldest continually-inhabited city in the world.  It lies in the dead sea area, a desert that sits below sea level and 2000' below Jerusalem which blocks the moist Mediterranean sea air from it.  It is an 18 mile uphill walk from Jericho to Jerusalem.  On this road, the story of the Good Samaritan unfolded. 

In Marks gospel story in chapter 10, Jesus and his disciples were about to make that journey.  As they were leaving Jericho, a blind man called to Jesus.  He called out, "Son of David, have pity on me."  Jesus heard the man and cured his blindness. 

The blind man showed great faith and a respect for Jesus that might not be readily apparent to us.  You see, calling him "Son of David" was a great honor.  It showed that the person believed that Jesus was the Messiah - the Savior.  David was the king of Israel that brought the nation together, secured its borders and defended it against those who would destroy it.  Jesus was the new king.

This trip Jesus was making to Jerusalem was his last.  It was there that he gave his life for his  principles - for us - for our sins.  Think about it the next time you're taking a walk. 
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