SERMON NOTES WITH APPLICATION - "LORD, I WANT TO SEE" - LUKE 18:35-43 (TPT)

Series: Lord, I Want To See

“LORD, I WANT TO SEE”

Text: Luke 18:35–43 (TPT)Theme: Hidden Manna (God’s unseen grace that nourishes us in hard places)Follows: Keep Dreaming Pt. I & II

🌅 CENTRAL IDEA

A blind beggar on the road to Jericho shows us how mercy, faith, and clarity move us from hearing to seeing. In the Gospels, restored sight often points to spiritual insight—Jesus gives vision for life, not just eyes for light. This story teaches a simple pathway:

Personal Plea → Personal Conviction → Personal Power.

1) PERSONAL PLEA (vv. 35–38)

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Meaning:A plea for mercy is an honest, urgent cry for help. The beggar doesn’t posture—he names Jesus and names his need. Mercy is the doorway to healing and insight.

For Christians:Bring your need into the light. Mercy opens what effort cannot. Pray plainly: “Jesus, have mercy on me in ____.”

For Seekers:You don’t have to know everything to begin. Start where you are: “God, if You’re real, meet me with mercy.”

Practical Application (“P‑L‑E‑A”):

• Pause and notice God’s nearness (Jesus is “passing by”).

• Lift your voice—pray out loud, even briefly.

• Express exactly what you need (be specific).

• Ask for mercy, not just answers.

Kid/Teen Tip:Use a 5‑second prayer: “Jesus, help me see what to do right now.”

2) PERSONAL CONVICTION (vv. 39–41)

They tried to silence him; he cried out even louder… Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Master, I want to see.”

Meaning:Conviction is faith that persists and clarifies. He refuses to be shushed and he answers Jesus’ question with precision. Conviction turns vague desire into a clear ask.

For Christians:Push past pressure and doubt. Name what you want Jesus to change. Vague prayers often lead to vague outcomes.

For Seekers:If faith feels strange, be honest about that too. Say what you truly want: “I want clarity, peace, direction.”

Practical Application (“C‑L‑E‑A‑R” Ask):

• Center yourself (breathe; quiet the noise).

• Label your desire in one sentence.

• Expect Jesus to respond (He stopped for the beggar).

• Align with God’s heart (ask for sight, not just status).

• Repeat daily—consistency builds conviction.

Family Practice:At dinner or bedtime, each person states one clear request: “Lord, I want to see _____.”

3) PERSONAL POWER (vv. 42–43)

“Receive your sight; your faith has given you sight and new life.” Instantly he could see… he praised God and followed Jesus; others praised too.

Meaning:Personal power is not control over others; it’s Spirit‑empowered self‑mastery—confidence, integrity, and the courage to act. Jesus’ mercy + our faith = sight that leads to new life. Real power becomes praise, obedience, and influencethat lifts others.

For Christians:Use your restored sight to follow, not just to look. Let testimony turn into a trail others can follow.

For Seekers:When you sense help has come, take the next step—practice gratitude and act on the light you’ve received.

Practical Application (“S‑E‑E” after the miracle):

• Share: Tell one person what God did (your story builds others’ faith).

• Engage: Take a tangible next step of obedience (serve, reconcile, simplify).

• Exalt: Make praise your new default—thank God before you move on.

Community Impact:His healing sparked a chorus. Your breakthrough can bless a whole room.

🔎 WHY THIS MATTERS (Hidden Manna Thread)

• Mercy is the hidden nourishment of the soul.

• Sight is more than eyesight—it’s insight for decisions, relationships, calling.

• Jesus still stops for specific, persistent faith.

🧭 THIS WEEK’S PRACTICE

• One‑Line Prayer (daily): “Jesus, have mercy; I want to see _____.”

• One Clear Ask: Write it. Pray it. Act on the next obvious step.

• One Act of Praise: Thank God out loud when any light breaks through—even a small one.

✝️ SUMMARY FOR ALL

• Young people: Don’t let the crowd set your volume. Call on Jesus clearly and boldly.

• Adults: Clarity beats complexity—name what you need Jesus to do.

• Christians: Mercy → Faith → Sight → Following—keep the whole flow.

• Non‑Christians: Start with mercy; honest prayers are welcome here.

Bottom line: When you bring a personal plea with personal conviction, Jesus meets you with personal power—and what you see changes how you live.