Blind Bartimaeus

This morning my Bible study blessed me through the story of blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46–52). Jesus is headed to Jerusalem, His final trip. He knows betrayal and death are ahead; He has just told His disciples about it (verses 32–34). He is focused on His difficult mission when He hears a cry for mercy. The cry grows louder, and Jesus stops and says, “Call him.” Bartimaeus immediately throws off his cloak, jumps to his feet, and comes to Jesus. When Jesus asks what he wants, Bartimaeus responds, “I want to see.” Jesus says, “Go,” and assures him that his faith has healed him. Immediately, Bartimaeus receives his sight, but he does not go away. He goes with Jesus. Luke 18:43 tells us he not only follows but he also praises God as he follows.

 No matter what Jesus is doing, He always hears our cries for mercy, and He stops to respond. He calls, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. . . . My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30, NIV).

This story speaks to me today. Like Bartimaeus, we must throw off what hinders us from coming to Jesus. It might be our “cloak” of sin tripping up our feet. It might be our “cloak” of self-righteousness and its impression of protection and comfort. The writer of Hebrews puts it this way: “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1, NIV).

When Bartimaeus tells Jesus his need, Jesus proclaims his faith has healed him. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel I don’t have enough faith. Yet we know from Romans 12:3 that God gives each of us a measure of faith.

And, we are called to “[fix] our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:2, 3, NIV).

 Let us follow Him joyfully and with praise!

Myrna L. Hanna