Jesus Stops
For Meditation
Two weeks ago we looked at the story of the rich young ruler, and we saw how his wealth and power prevented him from following Jesus. Last week we reflected on the foolish request of James and John, and how their lust for power and security blinded them from seeing what Jesus and his Kingdom are really all about. In a remarkable development, this week we meet someone who could not be more different than the rich young ruler, and who likely did not have any ambition for power or wealth. We meet Bartimaeus, a blind beggar sitting on the side of the road. He was impoverished, ignored, and completely marginalized. And yet, it is this man who becomes the model disciple in Mark's view. This is someone that we should seek to emulate as we wonder what it means to follow Jesus.
So this Sunday we’ll look at why this blind beggar is the model disciple and what it would mean for us to become like him too. In preparing for worship, reflect on this short story and ask God to open your eyes to the ways he may be calling you to become more like Bartimaeus.
Mark 10:46-52
46 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. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing 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.