Blind Bartimaeus receives his sight

This is written by Bubba McCarthy. He is a musician, American sports enthusiast and chocolate lover.

Blind Bartimaeus receives his sight
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.

'Many warned him to be quiet…But he cried out even more.'

The recognition that Bartimaeus had of Jesus is refreshing. He had grasped who Jesus was. He understood Jesus's authority. This was a life changing moment for Bartimaeus. He was tired of constantly being an outcast. He was spiritually aware of the significance of Jesus's presence, and understood that he could not let this moment pass.

'What do you want me to do for you?'

The first time I read through the passage, it struck me as strange that Jesus would ask this. Was it not obvious? Jesus, there is a blind man walking towards you. I realised, that in asking, Jesus made things relational. Bartimaeus, probably for the first time in a while, is conversing on a level with someone of social standing.

Jesus constantly wants to know what he can do for us. He is always listening.

Bartimaeus asked for sight and then received it. There is something undeniable about this! It is a faith builder.

'Bartimaeus threw his cloak aside.'

He expected transformation. His faith was on a level where he didn't expect to be the same after encountering Jesus.

What are we prepared to let go of?

The most intriguing part of this story for me, is that after being healed, Bartimaeus 'followed Jesus along the road.' He no longer carried the standing of a beggar. No longer an invisible part of society but at the heart of it. He sensed that there was more to be gained in being with Jesus. He understood that his life wasn't complete now that he could see; it was just beginning.

There is always more that God wants for us. Even after victories, do we go back to him or do go it alone?