By Jannie Linney
There was a blind beggar just outside of Jericho on the side of the highway. His name was Bartimeus, the son of Timeus. Jesus, His disciples and a great number of people went out of town that way. “When blind Bartimeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, He began to cry out, and say, Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me”[Mark 10:46-47]. In our desperate need for help, as Christians, we cry out for the one we know can help us, the one that came to earth as an earthly man to suffer and die to pay the price for every need we will ever have.
“And many charged him that He should hold His peace:”[v.48a]. In our effort to reach Jesus, there are many people and circumstances that will try and hinder us from reaching the place and conditions to contact the only one who really understands our true need. Not really intending to, our friends will have suggestions, our family will have reasons and the devil will inject thoughts that outwits them all. Deep down on the inside we still know that our Lord Jesus is the only answer.
“But Blind Bartimeus cried out all the more a great deal, Thou son of David, Have mercy on me”[v.48b]. By this time he knew that Jesus was his only answer. Many today are in the place that seems all hope is gone. There are some with desperate health problems, some with finical catastrophes, some with addictions out of control and some with a marriage in total array. You have tried everything you know, gone for worldly help in your problem area, to no avail. Bartimeus had apparently used up all his options. Now it was sitting on the side of the road begging. There were no friends to feed him, no Government programs, no food stamps or food kitchens. He couldn’t let those people stop him from contacting this man called Jesus his only hope. He cried out all the more!
“And Jesus stood still” When we call out, in faith, knowing Jesus is our answer, He hears us. Jesus commanded those with Him to call the blind man, saying unto him; be of good comfort; He calleth thee”[v. 49]. “Praise God” our answer is on its way. “And blind Bartimeus , casting away his garment, rose and came to Jesus”[v.50]. His garment could represent his old life. He threw it off, willing to give up all, to reach this man called Jesus. He rose up, showing that we have a part in receiving from the Lord Almighty. When Peter was in prison and God released him, Peter bound on his own shoes and put on His cloak like the angel said, as his part of getting out of prison. It’s the same with you and me, we have a part! It is His the Word!
And Jesus answered and said unto him. What will you have Me do unto you?”[v.51a]. He was having Bartimaus confess his need, even though Jesus already knew. “The blind man said unto Him, “Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go Thy way, thy faith has made thee whole” And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way”[v.52]. Many today can see through their natural eyes, but not their spiritual eyes. Prayer in faith could change that. Notice when blind Bartimaus received his sight, he followed Jesus in “The Way”. I believe Jesus knew He would yield his life totally to the Christian lifestyle and that is why, when blind Bartimaus called out to Him, “Jesus Stood Still”
