A blind man called Bartimaeus, a beggar, was sitting by the roadside to Jericho. When he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Repeating his cry, Jesus called him and he threw his cloak away. Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said, “Go, your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed Jesus. See Mark 10: 46-52; Luke 18: 335-43.
Spiritual sources of affliction
There was a general notion that certain ailments including blindness as blind Bartimaeus resulted from either his sins or that of his ancestors. He believed that only God working through Christ Jesus could mercifully release him from his ancestral curse. Consequently, he sought mercy from Jesus of Nazareth.
The basis of his belief was echoed in John 9: 2-3, His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Some of our challenges originate from sin, some of which we know and others we do not know. Irrespective of knowledge, we must confess to God and the one we have sinned against. Bartimaeus did the right thing. 1 John 1: 9 says if we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
How Bartimaeus attracted Jesus
It was not much of the noise but the spiritual connection that attracted Jesus as follows:
Bartimaeus accepted himself a sinner
Unless we accept our sins and confess them to the appropriate authority, we cannot have any release except by grace. The Psalmist said in Psalms 66: 18, if I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. Bartimaeus knew he needed pardon from God so he honestly called on the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Bartimaeus knew Jesus was near
It was not in doubt that throughout their history, God had always been merciful. David wrote in Psalms 25: 6, Be merciful of your mercy, O LORD, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Bartimaeus sought for grace when Jesus was near and available. Isaiah 55: 6 says seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near. Jesus said in Matthew 16: 3; Luke 12: 56, You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
Bartimaeus acknowledged Jesus
Bartimaeus addressed Jesus as the Son of David, meaning Son of God though he was physically blind. We do not need sight to acknowledge Jesus but a true heart. Our circumstances must not impair our thoughts and faith. Jesus asked in Matthew 16: 15-17; Mark 8: 27-29; Luke 9: 18-20, “But who do you say I am?” Peter said in Acts 2: 21, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Bartimaeus wanted to be healed
Bartimaeus needed his sight in order to also follow Jesus, Matthew 9: 27-30. We must not shudder on our noble dreams but seek God’s intervention always. Job 34: 4 says, Let us choose what is right; let us determine among ourselves what is good. Though he could not see, he relied on his faith to reach Jesus without public restraint.
Bartimaeus prioritized his needs
What Bartimaeus treasured most was to regain his sight therefore he threw away all he had at the first opportunity to meet Christ Jesus. Jesus said in Matthew 6: 21, for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Jesus also showed how treasures could be acquired in Matthew 13: 44-48; Luke 12: 34. Bartimaeus gave up his shame, neglect, nuisance, etc. to acquire his treasured sight from Jesus.
Bartimaeus discerned spiritually
Even in his blindness, Bartimaeus perceived who Jesus was. Jesus said in Matthew 13: 17; Luke 10: 24, truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it. We can only perceive who Jesus is with the eye of faith. Jesus said in Mark 4: 12; Luke 8: 10 they may indeed look, but not perceive, and may indeed listen, but not understand.
Bartimaeus weighed his opportunities
Bartimaeus had other opportunities to turn to but he patiently waited for Jesus. Jesus said in Matthew 7: 15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Read also Matthew 24: 11, 24; Mark 13: 22. Bartimaeus rightly weighed his opportunities and found a relationship with Jesus as a better one.
Is Jesus still reachable?
Jesus is always within reach and those who diligently seek him will find him. Jesus said in Revelation 3: 20 Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you and you with me. He said in Matthew 28: 20, I am with you always, to the end of the age. The bible says in 2 Chronicles 7: 14, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. An opportunity with Jesus costs nothing but peace to the soul.
Reaching out to Jesus
The bible says cast your burden on LORD, and he will sustain you, Psalms 55: 22; call on me in the day of trouble, I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me, Psalms 50: 15; come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest, Matthew 11: 28; my grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness, 2 Corinthians 12: 9.
Jesus said, I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly, John 10: 10; he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we were healed, Isaiah 53: 5.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, we approach your throne of grace today for your mercy. Do not leave us as you pass by but hear our humble cry from the depths of our hearts. You are our only source and hope of forgiveness and on you we depend on our afflictions and curses. Forgive us in your precious blood and restore our sight to behold your glory so we may follow you. We pray in your holy name, Amen!!
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