Sometimes we may pray and hope for something from the Lord, something that is not sinful or wrong in any way, yet nonetheless, others just try to shut us up. “Shut up! Don’t pray for that! Don’t bother God with that! Who do you think you are?” Those are some of the things that they might say to us when we pray our heart’s desire to the Lord. So what do you do? Do you keep quiet, like they so rudely told you to? Our Gospel today relates the account of someone who had others tell him to keep quiet, as well. Let’s see what his story is, and what he did.
As our Scripture opens, Jesus and His followers were leaving the city of Jericho where He had been ministering. Sitting at the roadside near the main street in and out of the city was a blind man named Bartimaeus. We don’t know how long this man had been blind. However, in those days there were no resources for the blind. There were no schools for blind children. There were no jobs that a blind person could hold. And unless they came from a wealthy family who could financially take care of them, they were forced to beg. That is what Bartimaeus was doing when Jesus came by.
Sitting at the roadside near the entrance and exit of the city would have been a rather good spot, as there would have been a fair amount of traffic. This day, though, Bartimaeus heard an unusual amount of ruckus, and he must have asked some people what was going on. The people told him that Jesus of Nazareth would be passing by as He left the city (vs. 46-47). Bartimaeus had heard of Jesus before. He had heard that He was a healer, and had even restored the sight to a number of blind people. That gave this blind man hope. Bartimaeus must have hoped that if Jesus had done that for others, then perhaps He would do that for himself.
Now was his chance. Jesus would soon be gone, so he had no time to waste. Right away, not knowing exactly where Jesus was, Bartimaeus cried out “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” He knew who Jesus was. The Messiah was prophesied to be of the lineage of King David, and this blind beggar believed that this was who Jesus was. He knew that Jesus had the power to heal him, so he wasted no time in calling for Him. However, others in the crowd did not want some noisy beggar making a disturbance, and told him to be quiet (vs. 48). Did that stop Bartimaeus? It might have stopped some people, but it didn’t stop him. He cried out all the more, and his persistence got the attention of Jesus. The Savior called him over, and Bartimaeus threw aside his beggar’s cloak, as he knew he wouldn’t need that anymore (vs. 50).
Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted. Jesus knew what he wanted, as that would be fairly obvious, but He wanted him to state it, to make the request, which he did. Immediately his vision was healed, and Bartimaeus followed Jesus as He journeyed on towards Jerusalem and all that would happen there (vs. 51-52).
God does not mind specific prayers. In fact, here with Bartimaeus, Jesus asked for a specific answer to His request. “What do you want Me to do for you?” We don’t need to beat around the bush with God. He is not impressed by a flurry of fancy words. He is listening to what our heart is saying. Jesus showed compassion to Bartimaeus, and affirmed his faith. He wants us to come to Him without questions and pain. Don’t allow trials to cloud your thinking about God’s deep concern for you. Bartimaeus could have given up hope, but fortunately he didn’t. Answer His call to you, and bring your burdens to Him.
The crowds had tried to stop this poor blind beggar. They had wanted to shut him up, to push him back into his corner, unseen and unheard. However, he wouldn’t let them, and neither should we. Don’t let anyone stop you from receiving what God has for you. When Bartimaeus called out to Jesus, they told him to shut up. Sometimes they will to us, as well. Instead, he cried all the louder. When doubters start knocking at your door, telling you that Jesus doesn’t do this or that anymore, proclaim Hebrews 13:8, that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The same Jesus who answered Bartimaeus’ cry, and asked him what he wanted, calls to you today.
Even though Bartimaeus was blind, he could see by faith who Jesus was. The crowds had physical sight, but they were blind to His teachings, especially about compassion and mercy. Let’s have the faith of Bartimaeus, and not be one who would push someone away from the Savior through ignorance or lack of caring or concern.
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