In our text today, we read of an individual who, by our standards, was encumbered with serious limitations. Bartimaeus, as Scripture teaches, was physically blind and financially strapped. But he did not allow his limitations to conquer his ambition.
Likewise, we all suffer from various limitations in our lives. They could be similar to Bartimaeus’ limitations, physical or financial. They could be emotional or spiritual. However, Scripture teaches us that we are more than conquerers through Christ. Today, I want us to take a look into the actions and ambitions of Bartimaeus and allow what is revealed to be birthed into reality for our lives. We may have various limitations, but by following the example of Bartimaeus, we can rise above our limitations and be all that God will have us to be.
I. He Took Personal Initiative (v. 46-47)
Bartimaeus took it upon himself to call upon Jesus. The Bible says, "And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out..." He possibly could have waited for a more convenient opportunity. He could have waited for a more appropriate time. The problem, however, was that his sight wasn’t getting any better.
Likewise, spiritual blindness will never improve until one has an encounter with Jesus. Bartimaeus had heard that Jesus was near. Undoubtedly, he had heard previously of the miracles and abilities of Jesus. However, only hearing about Jesus is not enough. James 2:19 states, "Thou believest there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." Even though the demons of hell believe in Jesus and know that He is God, it is not enough. Having a personal encounter with Jesus was Bartimaeus’ only hope of being set free from his blindness, and if not now, there was not going to be another time for Jesus never returned again to Jericho.
So what did Bartimaeus do? He did the only thing that he could do. He called upon Jesus. Rom. 10:13 states, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Friend, the only hope we have is in Jesus. Only when we call upon Jesus in true faith and repentance can we receive the marvelous blessing of God’s touch on our lives.
But notice who’s responsibility it is to call. Jesus was near, but He didn’t come until Bartimaeus called. Likewise, only those who call upon God will be saved. We must realize our helpless state. We must recognize our only remedy. We must respond to our responsibility and take the initiative to call upon God.
As in Bartimaeus’ situation, God may choose to provide a physical healing for us. But again, the responsibility to initiate physical healing rests with us. James 5:14 states, "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." Sadly, God’s people many times do not receive all that God has for them, because they refuse to accept their responsibility and take the initiative to call upon the Lord - "...call ye upon him while he is near." (Isaiah 55:6).
II. He Persisted Over Obstacles (v. 46, 48)
Even though Jesus was passing by, Bartimaeus faced challenges when trying to reach him. His first obstacle was his blindness. He couldn’t physically see Him. He simply had to take the word of others that Jesus was passing by, and Bartimaeus wasn’t going to chance missing this opportunity. He called out in faith believing that Jesus was there. What a wonderful illustration of salvation!
His second obstacle was those who were around him. The Bible states, "And many charged him that he should hold his peace..." Imagine if he would have listened to them. Bartimaeus had a problem. It was by all human means an incurable problem. Yet Jesus had the only cure, and He was passing by at that moment. Bartimaeus wasn’t going to be denied. The Bible states that, "he cried the more a great deal, thou son of David, have mercy on me."
Have you been persistent to overcome your obstacles? The Bible gives us numerous instances where God has blessed lives because of the persistence of an individual. In Genesis 32:24-29, Jacob received the blessing of God because he wouldn’t let go. In Matthew 15:21-28, a daughter was delivered from Satanic bondage because of a mother’s persistence. In Luke 11:5-10, a friend received bread because of persistence. Beloved, God takes pleasure in giving you the kingdom, but sometimes he tests just how much we desire it.
III. He Responded Promptly (v. 49-50)
In verse 49, the Bible states that Jesus heard Bartimaeus’ cry and "stood still." What a wonderful expression of concern. The great God of the universe, as busy as He was with the multitude, with the task of returning to Jerusalem where He would be crucified, and with the knowledge that He would soon bear the sins of the world, still took time to stop and show compassion on one helpless soul. And beloved, He is still doing it today!
Notice for a moment two ways that Bartimaeus responds. First, he responds immediately. II Corinthians 6:2 states that, "now is the accepted time..." Bartimaeus rose and came to Jesus when Jesus commanded. Friend, if we are to garner God’s best for our lives, then we will have to respond when Jesus calls. Our lives are to revolve around His will.
Secondly, he responds humbly. Notice in verse 50 that Bartimaeus casts off his garments. This was a sign of humility. This is also the same way that we are to respond, not in our garments of self-righteousness, but in naked openness to the One who knows all and sees all. When we respond appropriately, God rewards us with a robe of His righteousness, the only righteousness acceptable in His sight. Matthew 22:12-14 states, "And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen."
IV. He Exercised Powerful Faith (v. 51-52)
Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he would have Him do. Bartimaeus’ request was to receive his sight. What an act of boldness and faith to call on Jesus when no one wanted to hear his lament and then to ask for his sight when he had nothing to offer in return.
Nevertheless, because of the faith of Bartimaeus, Jesus extended mercy and immediately he received his sight. The faith of Bartimaeus so moved the living God that, with affirmation of his faith, he was made whole.
Friend, you don’t have to be a spiritual giant for God to move on your behalf. You just simply need faith. Jesus stated in Matthew 17:20, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard see, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."
V. He Followed the Path of Jesus (v. 52)
I believe Bartimaeus’ next course of action honored God greater than all the others. Once he received his healing, he chose to follow Jesus. Sadly, it seems that when circumstances are the most favorable, it is the easiest time to forget who is blessing us.
In Luke 17, Jesus met up with ten lepers who desired mercy from Him. He commanded that they go and show themselves to the priest, which was the proper course of action according to the law. The Bible states that as they went, they were cleansed from their leprosy. Upon realizing their healing, one of the ten who was a Samaritian, turned and came back to Jesus. He fell on his face and with a loud voice glorified God. But remember the question that Jesus asked? "And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?"
Where are the nine today? Bartimaeus wasn’t going to be counted with the nine. As thanksgiving for his healing, he surrendered his life to Jesus and followed Him the rest of his days.
Friend, are you following Jesus? Do you have a personal relationship with Him? Without Jesus, you are just like Bartimaeus was, a blind individual who is unable to change your condition. But friend, you simply do not have to walk this life in the dark. Jesus came that you might have abundant life. If you are willing to realize your helpless condition, call upon Jesus, cast off your garments of self-righteousness, place your faith in His finished work, and commit yourself to follow Him to the end, you’ll receive that abundant, eternal life that Jesus came to give you. Why not do it now? Why not do as Bartimaeus did, respond immediately while Jesus is passing by? Who knows if He’ll ever pass your way again.
