Judea had enjoyed a long period of peace in a land where there were many Gentiles. Some Israelites were envious of the way in which the Gentiles lived more freely without the Law. They encouraged others to follow the Gentile way of life. Many did so, and eventually, Jerusalem fell to the enemy.

Altars were desecrated, books of the Law were burnt, and disaster fell on Israel. Yet many Israelites stood firm in their faith and died rather than profane the covenant with the Lord. How faithful are we to the covenant with our Lord?

The beggar who encountered Jesus may have been physically blind but not spiritually blind. First of all, he knew who Jesus was, and he knew Jesus had the power to heal - "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

Jesus asked the man what he wanted Jesus to do for him. It is necessary for us to know what we need from Jesus. The man replied that he wanted to see again, and Jesus healed him. Why? Because of his faith. The man may have been blind physically, but he had great spiritual insight. The key is to have faith in our Lord.