Look To Jesus

Look to Jesus

The key verse for today is “Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.” Mark 10:52

A story is told in Mark 10:45–52 of a blind man who was healed just outside Jericho.Bartimaeus was not the first person with blindness Jesus healed in His ministry. But here's something significant that we can learn from this character.

What was so special about Blind Bartimaeus? Nothing but Faith. He was an outcast, a beggar, and a blind man, but his faith has withstood the testimony of time. The story of blind Bartimaeus is a testimony to one man’s determination to be healed. He refused to be silenced when others tried to quiet him as he cried out to Jesus.

As Jesus walked through Jericho, Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. The blind Bartimaeus called out to Jesus. Look at verse 10:47. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" - Mark 10:47.

Even before Bartimaeus had met with Jesus, he believed Him to be the Messiah. Jesus, "Son of David" was the promised Messiah. The Messiah would be a descendant of David whose kingdom would last forever.

Though people tried to get him to be quiet, Bartimaeus was completely focused on Jesus. His cries got the attention of Christ who asked Bartimaeus to be brought to Him. When Bartimaeus realized that Jesus had stopped to talk to him, he threw off his garment and went to Jesus.

He told Jesus his greatest desire; he wanted to see (Mark 10:51). Jesus spoke the word, and blind Bartimaeus received his eyesight. His faith, Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well (Mark 10:52). Jesus didn’t have to touch Bartimaeus for him to receive his sight.

Bible scholars believe that blind Bartimaeus may have spread his over garments in front of him to collect alms for any coins that were given to him. If that were the case, then his garment was a tool of his trade. Without his cloak, he would have had difficulties collecting the alms that were given to him.

Some scholars believe that when blind Bartimaeus threw off his cloak, it was a show of faith. He believed Jesus would heal him, and because he would no longer be blind, there would be no need to have that particular tool of the trade.

Now, what are the lessons we can learn from the story of Blind Bartimaeus? What does the story of the blind Bartimaeus teach us?

1. Shout for Jesus

And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! Mark 10:47

I have always loved how enthusiastic or eagerly Bartimaeus called to Jesus. When he heard that Christ was nearby. He knew he had one chance to be healed. Being blind, Bartimaeus wouldn’t have been able to walk nimbly through the crowd, looking for Jesus. He had one resource, and that was his voice.

But people tried to silence him. Some Bible translations say people rebuked him. Rebuked. That’s a strong word. Bartimaeus didn’t allow anyone to silence his voice. When we are chasing hard after God, we shouldn’t let anyone silence us either. The Bible says, Call upon Him and He will answer you and show great and mighty things which you do not know. (Jeremiah 33:3).

We should not allow anyone to prevent you from expressing your faith or beliefs in Jesus Christ. It means that you should stand firm in your convictions and continue to speak out about your faith, even if others try to silence you or discourage you.

In many cases, people may attempt to silence your voice because they disagree with your beliefs or because they don't want to hear about Christianity. However, if you feel a strong connection to Jesus and want to share your beliefs with others, it is important to stand up for yourself and not be intimidated by those who may oppose you.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; Come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. Psalm 100:1-3

2. Relationship with Jesus

God is a relational God. He wants us to have an intimate relationship with Him. Jesus answered and said to him, "What do you want Me to do for you?" The blind man said to Him, "Rabboni, that I may receive my sight. (Mark 10:51)

This can’t happen if we don’t keep our eyes firmly fixed on Him and don’t let anyone or anything distract us. When blind Bartimaeus called out to Jesus, He stopped. The Savior of the World, the awaited Messiah, the Teacher of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, stopped. Then he waited. He waited for someone to tell Bartimaeus that he had been called. He waited for the blind man to make his way to him. He waited to hear blind Bartimaeus’ request. Jesus stopped for a man that many people wouldn’t have given the time of day.