Every Male Jew Must Attend Passover

Mark 10:46–52
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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) … More

Determination

On this final trip from Galilee to Jerusalem, Jesus and His disciples were passing through Jericho which is in the Jordan Valley about 15 miles from Jerusalem (v. 46). Jericho was a popular resort city in the Judean wilderness, not far from the Jordan River crossing from Perea. It was the law that every male Jew over twelve years of age who lived within 15 miles of Jerusalem must attend the Passover. However it was clearly impossible that such a law should be fulfilled and that everyone was able to go.

Those who were unable to go were in the habit of lining the streets of towns and villages through which groups of Passover pilgrims must pass to bid them godspeed on their way. As they were going out of town, a blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus who was sitting by the side of the road yelled out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (v. 47). Some of the people standing near him tried to get him to be quiet, but he only cried out that much louder. Because of his determination and persistence the procession stopped and he was brought face to face with Jesus (vv. 48-50).

It is that desperate desire that gets things done. He knew exactly what he wanted and that was to escape his world of darkness. When Jesus asked what he could do for him the man made his request brief and to the point: “Lord, that I might receive my sight” (v. 51) and immediately the Lord granted his request (v. 52). He knew precisely what he wanted—his sight. Too often our admiration for Jesus is a vague attraction. When we go to the doctor we want him to deal with some definite situation. When we go to the dentist we do not ask him to extract any tooth, but the one that is diseased. It should be so with us and Jesus.

This involves the one thing that so few people wish to face; self-examination. When we go to Jesus, if we are as desperately definite as Bartimaeus, things will happen also. We are told that having received his sight he followed Jesus. He did not selfishly go his way after his need was met.

Application

If Jesus asked me, What do you want me to do for you? What would I say? Are there things in my life I need Him to change?

Mark 10:46-52 (English Standard Version)

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