Hope is Here

Many times in our lives we may find ourselves in hopeless situations. It when we know the works and history of Jesus. I am sure that Bartimeus had heard of the healings of Jesus. He was waiting for this moment when Jesus was passing by. See Bartimeus is not the first blind man Jesus healed. Matthew 9:27 27 And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” 28 When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” 31 But they went away and spread his fame through all that district. (Mt 9:27–31). Even though Jesus told them not to tell anyone but as you know they spread news everyone.

John 9 describes the man blind from birth. Remember his disciples asked who sinned? This man or his parents? Jesus said neither. He was made blind for this moment of healing. Jesus reminds his disciples, We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 (Jn 9:4–6).

This chapter that concludes with the healing of Bartimeaus is a metaphor of the blindness of many!

It opens with the blindness of the Pharisees on divorce continues with the blindness of the disciples rebuking children and not understanding theirs is the kingdom of heaven. You must come humble as a child to to enter the kingdom.

Then the rich man who inquired about salvation but realized he could not let go of is earthly possessions.

The disciples blindness on who then can be save or their worry of giving everything up to follow Jesus.

Again the blindness of the disciples who did not understand fully about the events of the crucifixion which Jesus foretold or even the blind ambition of James and John who wanted prominent positions in heaven.

These situations of spirtual blindness is manifested even today. So many people are blind. Not only blind but poor.

Bartimeus had a double problem. BLIND AND POOR.

Yet in his hopeless state he hears its Jesus who is passing by. HOPE IS HERE! Have you ever been waiting a long time for something. Running through your head how you plan to act or react? HOPE IS HERE

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary Bartimaeus (Person)

Throwing his outer garment aside, leaping to his feet, and rushing to Jesus when called demonstrated his faith in Jesus and his eagerness to be healed. Since Mark records the name of only one other person whom Jesus healed (5:22), the occurrence of the name “Bartimaeus” here implies that he became a full-fledged disciple who was well known in the early church

Three points

Hope Cries OUT And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk 10:47–48). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Hope receives encouragement

And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”.And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” . (Mk 10:49).

Hope Leaves behind baggage

50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. (Mk 10:50). What are you willing to leave behind as you step out on faith? His cloak was like his safety blanket. It identify his heritage, but it was also use to collect his arms. He did not need it any longer.

Hope boldly makes it request known

And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” (Mk 10:51).

Hope Rejoices

52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. . (Mk 10:52). Luke 18 records it this way 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” 42 And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Lk 18:40–43). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.