What Do You Want?

Over 43 million people are physically blind in our world.

A quick search gives us this number from 2020. Some research says close to 33 million of the cases of blindness could be preventable.

The world is difficult for those who aren’t “normal”.

Physical disabilities, mental disabilities are health issues, just not being the “majority” and our world typically silences or punishes those on the outside.

The crowd tried to silence Bartimaeus.

He was sitting alongside the way up to Jerusalem where people would give him “alms”, we could call it charity, as a way to provide for his existence. It isn’t because people always “cared” but it would make them feel good about themselves.

Bartimaeus knows Jesus is the Messiah.

He uses words we find only here in the Gospel of Jesus. “Son of David” typically had a nationalistic ring to it but here in our setting we see Bartimaeus rightly understand Jesus did not come to overthrow Rome but to save individuals, people like him.

Sometimes we think we know what another person wants or needs.

We look at people and automatically start to meet the need we think they have. This can lead to frustration when they don’t respond to our “help” in a grateful way or do what we suggest.

Humility requires asking.

Jesus was a man of humility. Philippians 2 teaches this and our passage this morning showcases it. Jesus asks the question, “what do you want me to do for you?” This isn’t the first time the question has been asked. In fact, Jesus has a habit of asking it.

Bartimaeus leaves all in order to “see”.

We read he leaves his cloak aside. That does not seem like much but in those days it was of great importance.

How would you answer Jesus’ question?

To some extent the call to Bartimaeus is the call to you and me. We are all asked the question, “what do you want me to do for you?” The answer will reveal much about who we think Jesus is and what we think following Him is all about.

Following Jesus requires faith, perseverance, and sacrifice.

Bartimaeus is the “ideal disciple” as many commentators put it.