The Priest & the Blind Beggar

The Texts

Hebrews 7:23-28 “23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. 26 Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.”

Mark 10:46-52 “46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.”

Who Are the Characters in This Combined Story?

Jesus, the Great High Priest (see esp. vv. 25, 26).

Bartimaeus, the blind beggar.

Status of the blind reminder

Status of the poor reminder

“Go”, and what does he do? Follows Jesus.

Trouble in Our World?

“The Autonomous Individual” (we think we’re much more than we are).

Grace in the Text

Bartimaeus knows his position relative to Jesus’ (at least better, often, than we do).

Jesus doesn’t reject him (as society has done)

Jesus heals—as the great high priest he is.

A new orbital relationship is made - Bartimaeus orbits Jesus as the centre.

Grace in the World

God doesn’t let us remain our own “centre”—He forcibly reminds us, through many things, that we are “blind beggars” compared to him.

Thus, we have the opportunity to change our course/orbit.

When we do, he brings healing and reconfiguration of our orbital system.

So What?

Get our heads out of the sand and realize our real position in relation to God, and apart from Jesus.

Remember that, because of Jesus, we ARE in the correct orbit.

So, get rid of the remaining “space debris” that hampers us.

What gets in the way of your proper orbit? Cut back on TV? Cut back on work? Books? Money? Pride?