FROM SITTING TO FOLLOWING
Opening Prayer
Lord, thank You for meeting our needs.
Read Mark 10:46–52
Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight
46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven … Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God”(Matt 5:3,8).
Think Further
Today’s episode brings to a climax the section that begins in 8:22 and recounts “travelling with Jesus on the road of discipleship”. We examine the three qualifications for blind Bartimaeus in the passage – sitting, standing, following.
First, Bartimaeus sits by the roadside, literally but also figuratively because he is unable to participate in the social and religious life of his day. Yet, he is not docile or timid. Hearing that Jesus is passing by, he calls out incessantly. Blind though he may be, he nonetheless has insight into who Jesus is. He reaches out to Jesus, but is unable to get close because the crowd is unwilling to help him.
Finally, Jesus stops the entire caravan and calls for him. Bartimaeus’ willing response to Jesus’ call (50) echoes that of the first disciples who immediately left everything to follow Jesus (Mark 1:18,20). Bartimaeus now stands before Jesus on the road. There is potential for discipleship, but will it be realized? In verse 51, Jesus asks Bartimaeus the same question He asked James and John in verse 36. Will Bartimaeus have a better answer?
In response, Bartimaeus asks for sight – and he receives it. In light of the healing of the blind man in 8:22–26 plus the disciples’ lack of insight, Bartimaeus is actually asking for the gift that has so far eluded the disciples (FJ Moloney, The Gospel of Mark, Hendrickson, 2002, p210)! But for what will he use his sight? Jesus’ command, “Go” (52), gives Bartimaeus freedom to go wherever he wants (FJ Moloney, 2002, p211). His response, however, is to follow Jesus on the road. By voluntarily following Jesus on the road of discipleship, Bartimaeus serves as an example to all disciples, then and now.
Apply
Where are you on the road of discipleship? What is Jesus asking you and/or what challenges do you face on this journey? Are you helping others along the road?
Closing prayer
Lord, like Bartimaeus, I once was blind but now I see. Thank You for opening my eyes, too.
Book and Author Intros
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