Blind Bartimaeus

Mark 10:46-52

Our ongoing readings thru the Gospel of Mark brings us today to the healing of a blind man named Bartimaeus.  It is one of Jesus’s memorable healings, and is one of the last healings He performed, as it occurred shortly before His entry into Jerusalem.  It is also one of the very few times where the Gospel writer gives the name of the one healed.

As our passage begins, Jesus is coming to the city of Jericho.  Jericho is a very ancient city, about 16 miles northeast of Jerusalem, and lies just west of the Jordan River.  It was the first city Joshua and the Israelites conquered when they entered the Promised Land centuries earlier.  On this day of our reading the blind man Bartimaeus is sitting outside the city gate begging for money to live (vs 46). Beggars were very common in those days. If one had any sort of crippling disease or accident it would be impossible to work.  If one didn’t have wealthier or caring parents or children to care for them, one was destined to be a beggar. God’s Law, however, commanded that the people of the country take care of and relieve the poor, certainly including those who were handicapped and could not work (Leviticus 25:35-38).  Unfortunately this frequently did not happen, and there were numerous beggars. Bartimaeus had a good spot for begging alms from people, right at the entrance to the city.

As blind Bartimaeus sat begging, he heard the noise of large crowds of people, obviously louder than the normal comings and goings of people on a normal day.  He must have asked someone in the crowd what the reason for all of the unusual commotion, and was told that Jesus of Nazareth had come to town (vs 47). Bartimaeus had heard about Jesus before, had heard about the miracles He had performed, including that He had brought sight to the blind.  He also must have heard about some of the spiritual lessons Jesus had taught, and he had faith that Jesus was the Messiah. The reason we can know this is because of what Bartimaeus called out. As the sightless man sat there by the gate, hearing the crowds go by, he called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”  The title of “Son of David” was one given to the Messiah, as it was known that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David. Bartimaeus was calling Jesus this, showing he believed that He was the promised Messiah. He believed the miracles he had heard of, and was calling out to God’s Promised One for mercy.

As Bartimaeus called out to Jesus the crowds tried to shut him up (vs 48).  He was nothing but a common beggar to these people, and a blind one at that, a nobody to society.  They had their own needs they hoped Jesus would grant, and they didn’t want a beggar getting in the way.  They felt Jesus certainly didn’t have a moment to spare for a blind beggar. How many times are there people who try to hush us up?  They tell us that we don’t have anything worthwhile to offer, we are a nobody, so why don’t we just shut up. Bartimaeus wouldn’t keep quiet.  He called out all the louder. This was his only chance. If Jesus passed on without him getting His attention, he might never have another chance.  He was not going to let those people steal away his blessing!

Jesus did hear Bartimaeus’s cry, even above all the noise of the other people around.  God always hears our cries to Him, as well!  Jesus commanded that the people bring Bartimaeus to Him.  So the people, possibly some of the very ones who moments earlier had told him to shut up, brought the blind man to Jesus (vs 49).  Their attitude had sure changed now that they saw he was important to Jesus! Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he wanted Him to do, and he was very specific with what he answered (vs 51).  Bartimaeus didn’t beat around the bush. His prayer wasn’t fancy or poetic, nor did he use long, theological words. Bartimaeus told Jesus that he wanted to receive his sight. God is not impressed with fancy words and great, flowing prayers.  He is listening to our heart. Bartimaeus had faith, received his healing that day, and followed on as one of Jesus’s disciples (vs 52).

Jesus is coming our way today.  What do we need? Do we need to acknowledge Him as our Savior?  That is most important of all. Bartimaeus knew who He was, and confidently acknowledged it.  Do we have some other important, pressing, and distressing need? Call out to Jesus regarding it.  Don’t allow anyone to stop you from receiving your blessing from God!