Community and unity.
Journeying to Jerusalem to the Passover, Jesus, with his apostles and other disciples following, was also followed by a crowd. This grew into "a great multitude" as he moved out from the populous town of Jericho. In the scene here described we may study—
I. COMMUNITY IN VARIOUS PHASES.
1. We see it here in excitement.
2. We see it here also in suffering.
3. And we see it in contention.
(a) Importunity. The stream of fervency, if stopped, will rise and swell the higher.
(b) Humility. They sought not gold, but "mercy." The cry for mercy disclaims all merit (see Psalms 130:7; Hebrews 4:16).
(c) Faith. They called Jesus "Lord" (see 1 Corinthians 12:3). They identified the Messiah (cf. Matthew 12:23; Matthew 21:9; Matthew 22:44).
(d) Persistency (see Luke 18:1). Now or never: Jesus is passing; will soon have passed. Christ did not return to Jericho. "Now is the accepted time."
(e) Here was that concurrence in prayer which is especially pleasing to Christ (see Matthew 18:19).
II. UNITY IN VARIOUS CONTRASTS.
1. One leading many.
2. One compassionating suffering.
3. One wonder-worker.