THE MAN WHO WOULD NOT BE QUIET
MARK 10:46-52
MARK 10:46-52 NKJV
46 Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
48 Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
49 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called.
Then they called the blind man, saying to him, "Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you."
50 And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus.
51 So Jesus answered and said to him, "What do you want Me to do for you?"
The blind man said to Him, "Rabboni, that I may receive my sight."
52 Then Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.
OBSERVATION:
This is not about one of your relatives who will be at your place on Christmas. But here is another great story that the Holy Spirit highlighted for us to learn from.
Bartimaeus was a man who made his living begging from people who passed by the road. Because he was blind, he did not have many options. If his family had taken care of him, he would not have had to beg. It appears that Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was in town. And Bartimaeus had heard about Jesus. Sitting by the road day after day, he would have heard travelers talk about the prophet from Galilee who was performing amazing miracles. Even blind people were being healed by this Jesus.
This was his chance. Bartimaeus began to yell for Jesus to have mercy on him. Calling Jesus the Son of David indicated that Bartimaeus believed Jesus was the promised Messiah.
Blind men yelling loudly did not sit well with some of those around Jesus. They warned Bartimaeus to be quiet. But he only got louder. I love that about Bart. He refused to give in to fear or pressure from people.
But what happens next is a very intriguing thing. When Jesus stopped and called for Bartimaeus, he threw his coat away and went to Jesus.
For a blind man to throw away his coat was significant. Blind people don't throw things away from them. It would be too hard to find. Another factor was that a blind man's garment was, in effect, his license to beg. It showed he was legitimately blind, not running a scam. By tossing his coat before he went to Jesus, Bartimaeus was declaring his blind days were over.
Jesus spoke with Bartimaeus and asked what he desired. Bartimaeus walked away fully healed, and Jesus referenced his faith. Bartimaeus then followed Jesus on the road. Great choice!
APPLICATION:
This story inspires me. A man reached out to Jesus with a courage and a faith that would not quit.
And the good news for us is that courage and faith have not passed away. The courage not to give in to those who would discourage us from pursuing the Lord. And the faith that receives help, healing, and strength from the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
PRAYER:
Lord, I believe in You. You are my answer and the strength of my life.