Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus
November 10, 2021
Commentary
On this final journey from Galilee to Jerusalem, Jesus and His disciples passed through Jericho, a city in the Jordan Valley about fifteen miles from Jerusalem (v. 46). Jericho was a well-known place near the route pilgrims used when traveling to the Passover. Many who could not attend the feast would stand along the roads to encourage those going. It was a time of movement, expectation, and spiritual focus as people prepared their hearts for worship, reflection, and renewed commitment to God’s ways with sincere devotion.
As Jesus was leaving the city, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus sat by the roadside. When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he cried out, “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me!” (v. 47). Some people told him to be quiet, but he cried even louder. Because of his persistence and faith, Jesus stopped and called for him (vv. 48–50). Bartimaeus did not allow others to silence him; he believed Jesus could help him no matter what others said or how they reacted.
When Jesus asked, “What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?” the man answered clearly, “Lord, that I might receive my sight” (v. 51). He knew exactly what he needed. Immediately, Jesus healed him (v. 52). Often, people approach Jesus with unclear desires, but Bartimaeus came with faith and a specific request. True faith brings honest and direct needs before the Lord without fear, or hesitation in our hearts .
After receiving his sight, Bartimaeus followed Jesus. He did not return to his old life but chose to walk with the One who healed him. This reminds us that real faith leads to changed living. When we come to Jesus with sincere hearts and clear faith, He works in our lives, and we are called to follow Him with gratitude and devotion.
Application
Do I cry out to Jesus with real faith when I have a need? Or do I stay silent because of fear or others? Am I clear about what I need from Him? Do I follow Him after He answers me? Do I truly believe He hears me when I cry out to Him? Lord, help me seek You sincerely, trust You fully, and follow You faithfully each day.
Mark 10:46–52 (NET)
46 They came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus the son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the road. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many scolded him to get 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 the blind man and said to him, “Have courage! Get up! He is calling you.” 50 He threw off his cloak, jumped up, and came to Jesus. 51 Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied, “Rabbi, let me see again.” 52 Jesus said to him, “Go, your faith has healed you.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the road.
Paul Harvey’s Secret to Success
Someone once asked Paul Harvey, the journalist and radio commentator, to reveal the secret of his success. “I get up when I fall down,” said Harvey. (Bits & Pieces, March 3, 1994, p. 16)