Mark 10:46-52
“What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51)
What can we learn from a blind man? During the time of Jesus, blind beggars dwelt near the bottom rung of social privilege in ancient times. In Mark 10:46-52, we encounter Bartimaeus, a blind beggar whose cry for mercy leads him to Jesus. His story is not just a narrative of physical healing, it is an illustration of faith.
As Jesus passes by on the way, Bartimaeus calls out to Him repeatedly. He persists in his calling even while others rebuke him. Bartimaeus embodies a faith that is both active and persistent. Despite the crowd's efforts to silence him, he cries out even louder. This scene mirrors the struggles many face today, where societal norms often attempt to marginalize or ignore those in need. His cry, “Son of David, have pity on me,” not only acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah but also highlights his understanding of Jesus' identity—a recognition that many around him lack. The blind man believed in Jesus although never having seen a miracle.
Jesus, despite the crowds’ silencing, calls Bartimaeus after witnessing his persistence. Bartimaeus springs up and leaves his cloak behind, presumably his one possession. Bartimaeus leaves his only symbol of self-sufficiency, the things in our lives that we depend on – things that can also hold us back when we hear God calling. By leaving the cloak behind, Bartimaeus teaches us that our only sufficiency should be in Jesus.
It almost seems silly for Jesus to ask, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus knows he is blind! Jesus desires to listen to our requests, whatever they are. The Lord welcomes these requests, takes them into his own heart, and grants them. It is a prototype of all prayer, which God wants to be personal and sincere.
Bartimaeus’s story culminates in his decision to follow Jesus “on the way.” The “way” is not just a physical path but a spiritual journey toward embracing the fullness of Christ's mission, bearing our crosses, and following as disciples. Are we ready to cast aside our cloaks—our doubts, fears, and self-sufficiency—in order to embrace the new life that Jesus offers?
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