Blind Bartimaeus
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Then they came to Jericho.
As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city,
Jesus has a sizeable following going with Him to Jerusalem
A common destination for the Passover
We see the crowd building for the Triumphal Entry
We can attract a crowd, but loyalty is earned
a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging.
When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
The only time we see “Son of David” in Mark
For the Jew, this is equivalent to “Christ”
A timely title for Jesus’ return to Jerusalem as Messiah
Contrast Blind Bartimaeus with others recent interactions with Jesus
The Disciples asked for greater status
Rich young ruler asked for heaven
Blind Bartimaeus simply asked for mercy
2 groups present:
those that “earned” Jesus’ presence
those that beg for Jesus’ grace
Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet,
Blind Bartimaeus is treated like the children earlier
The Disciples assume a position at Jesus’ side
The Rich Young Ruler approaches Jesus freely
Are we a pathway or obstacle to Christ
but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Bartimaeus remained steadfast in his pursuit
Don’t let those around Jesus prevent you from pursuing Jesus
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.”
Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
If you are close to Jesus, you will cheerfully call the lost to their good news
If you are searching for grace, you will enthusiastically run to your refuge
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.”
All Jesus requires for His grace is faith
Do you simply believe Jesus can change your life?
Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Goes from being on the side of the road to following the road
The crowds were fearful
The Disciples were amazed
Bartimaeus was excited
Have you become too familiar with Jesus?
Are you searching for a source of mercy and grace?
