Road to Easter | Road to Jerusalem | Pastor Eleah Tercero

Read:  Luke 18:31-34, Luke 19:37-44

Last Sunday we started our new Easter series by traveling with Jesus on “The Road to Jerusalem”, which follows the book of Luke and asks what we discover about Jesus and ourselves on the journey to the resurrection. The sermon highlighted how people respond differently to Jesus along the way.

First, the disciples represent those who cannot see. Even though Jesus clearly shares about His death and resurrection, they do not understand because of limited knowledge, experience, maturity, or even denial. Sometimes God’s work only becomes clear in hindsight, and we must trust that God will reveal what we need to know in His timing.

Second, the Pharisees represent those who will not see—people who resist what God is doing because of pride, bitterness, disappointment, or avoidance. Jesus’ heart breaks for those who refuse to let Him open their eyes. 

Read: Luke 18:35-43

 In contrast, the blind man Bartemaeus models the right response: he openly cries out to Jesus for mercy and asks to see. He is an active participant in this interaction with Jesus, and his humility and faith lead to healing. 

The journey to Easter reveals Jesus as the one who heals our spiritual blindness. The invitation is for you and I to respond like Bartemaus—crying out to Jesus, asking Him to open our eyes!

5 Discussion Questions for Young Adults

1. What is the longest road trip or journey you have taken? What was your favorite part about the experience?
2. The sermon describes three kinds of responses to Jesus: the disciples who could not see, the Pharisees who would not see, and the blind man who wanted to see. Which of these do you relate to most right now, and why?
3. The disciples did not understand what Jesus was telling them until later. Can you think of a time in your life when you only understood what God was doing in hindsight?
4. The Pharisees resisted what God was doing because of things like pride, bitterness, or disappointment. What are some attitudes or experiences that can make it hard for people to recognize or accept what God is doing?
5. The blind man boldly cried out to Jesus for help. Why do you think it can sometimes be difficult for people to openly admit their need for God or ask for help?
6. The sermon says that Jesus came to heal our spiritual blindness. What do you think it practically looks like to ask Jesus to help us “see” more clearly in our daily lives?