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1. Jesus Heals a Blind Man in Jericho (Mark 10:46-52)
MARK 10:46-52
46 They came to Jericho. As he went out from Jericho, with his disciples and a great multitude, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the road. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out, and say, “Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many rebuked him, that he should be quiet, but he cried out much more, “You son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stood still, and said, “Call him.” They called the blind man, saying to him, “Cheer up! Get up. He is calling you!” 50 He, casting away his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. 51 Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “Rabboni, that I may see again.” 52 Jesus said to him, “Go your way. Your faith has made you well.” Immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
The disciples were blind to the principles of the kingdom of God. They did not see the glory of Jesus in his humility. However, poor blind Bartimaeus in Jericho obtained his sight through faith in Jesus. Christ gave him the insight which made him believe that Jesus is the Son of David, and the King promised by God three thousand years before. He also testified that the kingdom of his Son will be endless, and that he would be seated with the Lord according to the revelation: “The Lord said to My Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’”
This blind believer saw more than those endowed with eyesight, though they were his companions. The poor man did not obey the disciples when they ordered him to be quiet and not repeat the provocative statement: “Son of David”. But the more they rebuked him, and told him to be quiet, that they might hear Jesus’ words, the more he cried out, knowing it was the opportunity of a lifetime, and it must not be allowed to slip away.
Jesus paused on his way to Jerusalem, because he distinguished the cry of a heart that longed for him in the voice of this poor blind believer. As such he hears the moaning of your heart if you actually long for the life of God. If you do not hear his calling because of the allurements of the world, and the many thoughts dancing in your head, we suggest that you should pray to him faithfully, for he expects your prayer. He listens to the voice of your heart, understands you, and calls you personally. So, come to him and hear his word, for he saves you completely.
When the blind man heard Jesus’ calling, he jumped up immediately, threw off his garment that it might not hinder him in coming to Christ, or retard his movements, and hurried to Jesus. He heard the voice of the Son of God, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Dear brother, if the Son of God asked you, “What do you want me to do for you?” how would you answer him? Think carefully before you reply for it decides the way of your future. Pray in your heart as the Lord wants you to ask of him, and then answer him with faith and humility.
The blind man asked that he might receive his sight. What would you ask of Christ: success in exams, cure of a certain disease, money for future insurance, forgiveness of all your sins, or eternal life through the dwelling of the Holy Spirit in you?
Christ will hear you and answer your prayers, if you seek him with all your heart, and hold fast to him. The blind man in Jericho opened his heart to Christ, and accepted his love for him. He believed in the Savior's power to help, and received the fruit of his faith. The healing was not in response to his crying out and rushing towards Jesus, but to his faith, which Jesus honored. This faith was demonstrated by his persistent eagerness, and by his recognition of Jesus as the divine King, who, in spite of his greatness, would give of his time to the poor man who begged for help.
Bartemaeus’ faith was sincere, for when he had received his sight, he was not concerned about hurrying back to his family and relatives, but immediately followed Jesus. His eyes had seen the divine King in his kindness, and he took hold of him at once, and entered his kingdom, in spite of persecutions, accusations, and insults.
What about you, dear reader? Have you received your sight, do you recognize the person of Christ, or are you still blind in your earthly wishes?
PRAYER: O heavenly Father, we glorify you because you care for the simple, the sick, and the poor. Please send out thousands of laborers into your harvest today, for the harvest truly is plentiful, and hearts are craving for the truth, but the laborers are few, and are sometimes unfaithful. Make me a humble, hardworking, obedient servant in your kingdom, enjoying your kindness, that I may see you before me at all times, follow you, and do your will joyfully. Amen.
QUESTION:
- What do we learn from the healing of blind Bartemaeus in Jericho?