"What do you want asks Jesus? Two blind men's, one named Bartimaeus) request was much different than that of James and John's mother of last week's blog. The men ask to SEE. (Mt. 20:29-34)
Jericho is five miles from the Jordan River and 15 miles from Jerusalem. It was the last stop for those traveling to Jerusalem. Jesus, like others was walking to the "holy city," to celebrate Passover. Jericho was also a popular resort city, re-built by King Herod the Great.
Beggars would line the side, (Beside the Way) of the road, asking for alms from the pilgrims headed to Jerusalem. Beggars were, were a common sight in most towns. Most occupations required physical labor, so those with crippling diseases, blindness or other maladies were severely disadvantaged and resorted to begging. The Gospels of Mark 10:46-52 and Luke 18:35-43, give more detail about the Beggar. Since the way was so welled travelled, it was great place for beggars to station themselves.
We don't know how long the Bartimaeus had been blind. We know that it only took a moment for him to call on Jesus, as soon as he learned who was walking by.
The two blind men, hearing the commotion, asked: what is happening? The response: Jesus the Nazarene was going by. (Luke 18:37). So they shouted: Jesus Son of David, have mercy on us!
Although the people around yelled be quiet!, Bartimaeus, the louder of the two, shouted even louder: Son of David, have mercy on me! When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. "What do you want? Lord, I want to see! (Luke 18:38-41)
Notice the INTERACTION: Bartimaeus had heard about Jesus and how he healed the sick, and possibly about a blind person who was given sight. (John 9:1-12). Likely, he heard that Jesus traveled with his followers (Disciples). He learned that Jesus was from Nazareth. Although Bartimaeus had a limited and inadequate concept of Jesus, he called Jesus Son of David. (a title used for the Messiah (Isaiah 11:1--3) This is one of two times this title is used in the Gospels. Bartimaeus acted on what he had heard about Jesus. He had faith that Jesus could restore his sight.
What do you know about Jesus? Where did you hear about him? Last week we asked: "If Jesus asked you the question, what do you want? what did you write?" Like the blind men, we act on what we learn and believe. William Barclay, in his commentary on Mark, writes: "We must ask people to think, but not to become theologians before they are Christians."*
Following Jesus is not just a change of life-style, doing good, IT is a Relationship with a Person. Christianity begins with a Person, Jesus the Nazarene. Bartimaeus had heard and believed that Jesus could restore his sight. Maybe like him, we Realize that Jesus is the One who can meet our need.
Jesus stopped and ordered that the men be brought to him. What do you want me to do for you? Lord, we want to see! Bartimaeus' (Son of Timaeus) sight was restored when Jesus touched his eyes. Jesus said: "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." (Luke 18:42) Instantly they could see! More than that, their whole lives were transformed. AND Bartimaeus Followed Jesus!
Following Jesus means a Change in one's World View and Purpose of Life. Change of Relationships with others. The men were more than physically healed. Their lives dramatically changed. When we decide to act on what we know about Jesus and Follow Him, in Faith, our lives will be changed.
Bartimaeus' gratitude was genuine. His response, in seeing, was to "Follow Jesus, Son of David, on The Way. The Blind Man heard who Jesus was and acted in faith that Jesus could heal him. Once healed, he followed Jesus, who was headed to Jerusalem. As we will see next week: Those who could see, were blind to whom Jesus was or what he was doing, Jesus met many spiritually blind religious leaders and people in the crowds. Though their eyes were fine, they couldn't see the truth about Jesus. The same is true today. The blind men heard that Jesus was passing by and cried out.
Bartimaeus became a Participant not just Observer. After his eyesight was restored, he didn't go on his own way. He gave his loyalty to Jesus. He did it in gratitude, not to repay Him. Others witnessing the restoration of sight also praised God. All who saw it praised God. (Luke 18:43)
What do we learn from this story? Following Jesus begins with a Quest: One has a need. One hears that there is someone who can meet that need. Commitment: Call on the One who can make a difference. Intergration: Of what one learns resulting in change and response. Reproduction: Begins when we tell others what happened and who was responsible. Read John 9:1-9 about another man who was born blind and healed by Jesus. Again, maybe, Bartimaeus heard of this restoration of sight from pilgrims returning from Jerusalem. When he learned it was Jesus going by, he boldly acted in faith. The result was not only restoration of sight but an entirely different way of life and he wanted others to know about who healed him.
Jesus is asking you: What do you want me to do for you? Imagine he is sitting next you...What is your response? Bring it to him right now. What burdens, fear or confusion are you carrying?
Bartimaeus was a blind beggar by the wayside, but when his eyesight was restored, he was grateful. He followed Jesus On the Way. He didn't selfishly go on his own way when his request was granted. He began with a need and ended with gratitude and loyalty.
Early followers of Jesus were called "People of The Way," long before they were called Christians. Jesus told his disciples: I AM The Way the Truth and the Life. No one can come to God the Father except through me. (John 14:6) Bartimaeus Followed Jesus On the Way to Jerusalem. He was physically healed. He spiritually healed.
Last week we read that the Mother of James and John: Asked Jesus to grant her sons the right to sit on either side of him in his Kingdom (Matthew 20:17-28) Jesus' response: Do you understand what you are asking? Do you understand the cost of what you are asking? Are you willing to bear the cost?
In response to Jesus' question What do you want me to do, is your request for you or for others?
Is your focus on yourself or on Jesus? What one way can you serve someone, in Jesus' name, this week?
Four weeks ago we began "Journeying with Jesus To Jerusalem," with the question: "Who is Jesus?" How would you respond, now to that question? Then we read about Jesus' "Anticipated Glory." We learn more about that next week. What is important is that Jesus told his disciples three times that he was going to Jerusalem and what would happen there. Jesus needed to Re-Teach his disciples about Greatness. One lesson was a Child, another was a Servant. Today: "Seeing: More than Sight." Bartimaeus not only regained his sight, but he also saw who Jesus was and followed him.
Although Jesus was concerned about what was going to happen in Jerusalem, he demonstrated what he had taught his disciples about service, by stopping to care for the blind men.
In coming to Jesus we need the boldness of Bartimaeus. Overcoming our reticence, doubts and take the step to call upon Jesus. Bartimaeus had not seen any of Jesus' healings. He acted, in faith, about what he had heard. We have read about Jesus in these blogs and from the Gospels. Though we do not "see" Jesus, we can trust him and rejoice in his love and the forgiveness he offers.
Next week I will write and post my blog earlier than April 2, so that you can understand: "Palm Sunday" and The King's Entrance" based on Mt. 21:1-14.
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