Mark Chapter 10: Verses 46-52
Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
“Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him.
But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.”
So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.
“My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!”
And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.
I’m sure that Bartimaeus was used to being ignored. People would walk past him every day without paying him any attention. But he must have heard people talking about Jesus and the miracles He had done. And now Jesus was leaving Jericho and passing right by where he sat. He was determined not to miss the opportunity to meet Jesus. So he shouted out. Many people told him to be quiet. But he was not put off and he persisted. And Jesus heard him and called for him. Bartimaeus took his chance, and received his heart’s desire.
If we decide in our hearts to follow Jesus, people may try to put us off, but if we persist Jesus will meet with us too, and He will ask, “What would you have me do for you?”
Dear Lord,
When it comes to the things of God, may I have the same persistence as Bartimaeus. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.