Luke 18:39
And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.
Luke 18:39
Luke 18:39 captures the moment when those who went before “rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.” The crowd’s rebuke reveals a social hierarchy that values order and quiet over noise and need. The beggar’s response—crying out all the more—demonstrates urgent faith and fearless persistence. This is not mere loudness; it is a living declaration of dependence on God. The contrast between the crowd’s attempt to restrain and the man’s unrelenting plea emphasizes the dynamic between human control and divine initiative. In Luke’s Gospel, the margin-dweller’s cry often catalyzes Jesus’ action. The scene suggests that true worship sometimes disrupts social conventions and demands a reordering of priorities. As Jesus moves toward the cry of faith, the narrative moves from passive spectator to active recipient of mercy.
Theologically, the emphasis is on the efficacy of faith and the acceptability of persistent prayer before God. The crowd’s rebuke represents a legalistic mindset that underestimates the mercy of God and the legitimacy of heartfelt petition. The beggar’s persistent cry embodies a sincere faith that trusts Jesus to act, even when human eyes see only obstacles. Luke highlights that salvation emerges through a faith that won’t be silenced by human institutions or expectations. The response underscores the nature of Jesus’ kingdom — it welcomes the humble, and it is activated by faith that refuses to be silenced by opposition.
In modern life, moments of disruption can test our faith: when friends dismiss your spiritual longing, or when circumstances push you to quietness. Like the beggar, choose to press in. If you’ve prayed and feel discouraged by others’ skepticism, revisit your posture of faith rather than retreat. Practical steps: keep a “persistence prayer journal” to record cries for mercy and God’s responses, even small ones. If you lead a small group or church, cultivate an environment where earnest, heartfelt prayers are encouraged, not discouraged, even if they disrupt the agenda. The key is a faith that speaks clearly to God and continues to trust him to move in his timing.
Cross-References: James 5:16; Luke 11:5-10; Hebrews 11:1; Psalm 34:17-18; Mark 2:3-5