Spontaneous Combustion

The Kingdom of God is breaking out around Jesus. The crowd heading to Jerusalem has grown, picking up people as it moves. It has crossed the city of Jericho, creating a buzz of gossip and rumor. A blind beggar, well known in the city and to travelers passing through it, hears the commotion of the crowd. He catches snippets of explanation. “Jesus of Nazareth, the prophet, is passing through.” Something stirs in his heart. Hope grows in him. Courage breaks the surface. He calls out to Jesus, “Mercy!” Spontaneous and unplanned, the miracles of God combust where Jesus passes. Through three different reactions, Mark offers us insight into the workings of the Kingdom.

First, there is Bartimaeus himself. Just as Jesus predicted at the outset of his ministry, the poor are hearing the good news. In the midst of crowd and noise and tension and movement, this man, trapped in the horrors of darkness and poverty, hears the rumor of Jesus and cries out. The kingdom comes to those who are listening for it, and who have ears to hear. Others in the crowd are less sensitive. They try to silence the inconvenient beggar. Not every ear is open to the coming kingdom. Not every heart understands. Some just get in the way of what God is doing.

Finally, it is the reaction of Jesus that most exemplifies the Kingdom. He stops. He gives attention to Bartimaeus. He is purposefully heading toward Jerusalem, a great crowd following him. He has plenty to be dealing with, but he allows the blind man to come to him and asks him what he wants. A miracle ensues. Time, attention, love and healing: these are the gifts of which the Kingdom is made.

Jesus gave attention to Bartimaeus and was able to meet his need. Ask the Lord to show you ways to pay attention to others and be able to meet their needs.