The Blind Man
Mark 10:46-47 “And they came to Jericho: and as He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry, and say, Jesus, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.”
Going up to Jerusalem, going toward the end of His ministry here, Jesus goes through Jericho.
On the side of the highway, where he could be seen, sat Bartimaeus. He was a blind man. He was a beggar, and he did not want to miss an opportunity for anyone to give to him.
He heard the crowd passing, and eager to get a coin, he asked what the procession was.
It is interesting to note, that after three years of ministry, Jesus’ name is well known.
As soon as Bartimaeus hears Who is passing by, he knows this is his opportunity for healing.
This is belief. He believed that this Jesus, Who he had heard about, could heal him. He called Him “the Son of David”, for this was one of the titles of the Messiah to come.
The Savior would come as the Son of David, and Bartimaeus believes that Jesus is He.
Mark 10:48 “And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.”
“Quiet! We are going up to Jerusalem. We have important things to do, we don’t have time for a blind beggar.”
But….
Mark 10:49 “And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; He calleth thee.”
But Jesus did have time.
Jesus had waited to answer Bartimaeus, and given others the opportunity to mention him; to show kindness to a blind Israelite. (Deuteronomy 15:11)
But they only told him to be quiet…..which he wasn’t……he yelled even louder trying to make Jesus hear him….which He did.
Mark 10:50-51 “And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.”
Notice how the blind man, when he knows Jesus calls him; how he throws away his garment (his outer cloak).
He wanted nothing to hinder his step to Jesus. He was sure that the old garment of a beggar, he would wear no more.
“What do you want me to do for you?” (How many times, when we have come to Jesus in prayer, do we believe He will hear, and act for us?)
“Lord” (one of the most important Names of Jesus Christ. Lord: when you say it, it is almost like you are bowing before Him). “That I might receive my sight.”
Mark 10:52 “And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.”
“Go thy way;”. You can go home, you can stay here in Jericho. But Bartimaeus chose the best way: he followed Jesus.
“Thy faith hath made thee whole.”
Jesus healed because of his faith in Him.
What the blind man had heard of Jesus, caused him to believe that He was the Son of God,…..so he put his trust in Him to heal.
And that faith led him to cry out to Jesus, and be healed; but also led him to follow Jesus.
The blind man was blind no more; not in eyes, or in heart.
Preaching, Teaching, and Notes 