The Boldness of Bartimaeus

Scripture – Mark 10:46-52: ⁴⁶Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. ⁴⁷When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁸Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁹Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” ⁵⁰Throwing 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.

Reflection: There are many layers of meaning in this story. At the same time, it’s pretty straightforward on the surface.

Clearly Bartimaeus had an idea of who Jesus was. When he heard Jesus was near he began shouting to get His attention. And he did. Bartimaeus knew exactly what he wanted Jesus to do for him. So when Jesus asked, he was ready: “I want to see.” Immediately, he received his sight. Then he stayed with Jesus, following Him along the road.

How often am I that clear about what I want? For really, the question still comes from the same Christ who spoke to Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” How would you answer that question? What do you want or need from Jesus today?

Lord, I don’t know why I make it so hard. You’re ready to help me any way you can. And you can do anything! Give me the boldness of Bartimaeus – the boldness to ask, expecting to receive.