Read: Mark 10:46-52
Today’s lesson tells us that “They came to Jericho” (v 46). As with most Bible verses, this one carries more meaning than it first appears. Jericho at the time was truly an oasis in the desert, known for its flowers and its beauty. The setting made it all the more ironic that Bartimaeus couldn’t see, and it made it doubly ironic that, of all the people there, he was the one who truly saw what Jesus was all about and trusted in him.
He was the one, for instance, who recognized who Jesus was. He calls Jesus the Son of David , thereby acknowledging him as Messiah. Because of this, Bartimaeus understood that his greatest opportunity had come . So he began to cry out for the Lord to have mercy on him. He continued his bold cry in spite of the many people there who told him to simply shut up and not bother the great teacher.
Bartimaeus was also a risk taker. When Jesus called, Bartimaeus didn’t hesitate. He “jumped to his feet and came to Jesus” (v. 50). He threw his cloak aside, and he went.
Understand that this cloak was probably the only thing of value that he had. He must have known that someone else could easily pick it up and carry it away. He would not have had the means to replace it, but he counted the cost and was willing to pay whatever price was necessary just to get to Jesus.
It is the same for all who profess to follow Jesus. Everyone who comes to him has to give up something. We simply need to know that however high the cost, in the end that cost is very cheap.
What a glorious moment that must have been for this poor, blind beggar when Jesus stopped and called for Bartimaeus to come to him. His faith was honored and he received a personal call from Jesus. I say to every person who reads these words that Jesus Christ is not too busy to hear your cry either. In fact, there is nothing in this universe more important to him than you are.
Faith is a trusting form of relationship to God. It involves more than just what your senses “know”. When Bartimaeus is called, there is no promise of healing, only the words “he is calling you” (v. 49), followed by a simple but very important question: “What do you want me to do for you?” (v. 51).
Bartimaeus’ response was one of pure faith. He trusted Jesus to heal him. And then, the impossible happened. The blind man received his sight. But he got far more than physical healing that day. We need to understand that when Jesus said "your faith has healed you" that he literally means, "your faith has saved you." There is a spiritual healing as well. The same healing that happens every time a lost person responds to the Gospel of grace.