Devotion

The Story of Bartimaeus

This week, we are continuing to work through the Gospel of Mark in Chapel and are looking at Mark 10: 46 - 52 where Jesus heals a blind man, Bartimaeus: 

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. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

This account of the healing of Bartimaeus is a part of a key a  section in Mark which begins with the healing of another blind man and is followed by Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.

This part of Mark establishes Jesus’ identity and mission, and blind Bartimaeus is someone who truly “sees” Jesus.

Whilst the narrative follows the normal one for a 'healing' story where someone has a problem, there is an issue that complicates things, Jesus heals, the healing is confirmed, and then there is some response to the miracle. 

However in this case it is not just a story about healing, it is also one about Jesus calling someone to follow him.

If we think back to last week's newsletter devotion, Jesus asks the same question of James and John as he does to Bartimaeus. “What do you want me to do for you?”. Following as it does on Jesus’ declaration about his upcoming suffering and death, James and John unwisely and uncomprehendingly ask for positions of honour and glory. Bartimaeus, in contrast, asks for sight. Whether or not he’s asking to see for the first time or to see again,  the emphasis is on spiritual insight.

What is the practical implication for Bartimaeus for acknowledging Jesus as he truly is and for believing in Jesus and his mercy? He gains his sight, and, more importantly, he follows Jesus. Here is where the call aspect of this story becomes clear. We do not find a typical reaction to a healing miracle where the person healed or the crowd witnessing the miracle respond with awe or praise. Instead, we are only told that, “Immediately he regained his sight and followed Jesus on the way.” And where is this way headed? In the very next passage we find Jesus entering Jerusalem and starting the chain of events that will end up at the cross. Bartimaeus truly exemplifies the disciple who sees where the way ahead leads and yet follows and believes Jesus.

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your salvation on the cross for us and the reminder of the importance of following ourselves in service and following you in our everyday lives. We pray that you would continue to strengthen us as we grow in following you. Amen. 

Blessings, 

Will Wallace 

Principal