Image from bigcanoechapel.com
Hear the devo: https://bit.ly/40bED4E
View devo: https://bit.ly/4eNLKEI
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. (Mark 10:46-52 NIV)
If you grew up in a small town you came to know most of the people with needs. And sadly, in my small town, some people had nicknames based on those needs or appearances. And this was the most brutal part of growing up with those willing to call people not by their gtiven names, but by names others, or these tormentors, gave to them. A dear man married to a wonderful elementary teacher was called La Mosca, because someone thought he looked like a fly. And I will stop there, asking God to forgive me for still remembering this nickname, and for the forgivness of the original person to give such a name to this man. Jericho was, sadly, no different, for they had come to know this man, Bartimaeus as Blind Nartimaeus. And you know he knew that. I also believe he must have dreaded the kids' taunting and teasing; "Here comes Blind Bartimaeus!" Ouch and ouch. And to make it worse, this man had to beg to stay alive.
In this passage, we encounter him, a blind beggar, whose desperation leads him to cry out for Jesus’ attention amidst the noise of the crowd. Imagine the scene: a bustling city, a multitude of people, and a man whose condition has rendered him invisible to many. Yet, it is precisely his blindness that opens his eyes to the reality of who Jesus is. While others try to silence him, Bartimaeus refuses to be ignored. His shouts for mercy rise above the crowd, fueled by a deep longing for healing and hope.
This is pivotal. In a world where many voices clamor for our attention, Bartimaeus teaches us that persistence in prayer and faith can break through the noise. Jesus heard him! When Bartimaeus is called by Jesus, he throws aside his cloak—his security blanket—and responds immediately. He approaches Jesus, not hesitantly, but with the courage that comes from faith.
Jesus’ question to Bartimaeus, "What do you want me to do for you?" is one we must grapple with ourselves. It’s not just about physical sight; it’s about recognizing our own spiritual blindness. What areas in our lives need healing? What barriers prevent us from seeing God’s work around us?
Bartimaeus' response is simple yet profound: “Rabbi, I want to see.” In this moment, he expresses a desire not just for physical sight but for a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He can do. Jesus is still asking us, what is it that we need from Him? What is it that will finally free us to follow Him wholely and totally?
PRAYER: Loving God, Thank You for the story of Bartimaeus, a reminder that no one is too insignificant to call out to You. Help us to have the faith to cry out in our own desperation, knowing that You hear us. Open our eyes to see the areas of our lives that need Your healing touch. May we have the courage to throw aside our cloaks of comfort and step boldly into Your presence. As we seek clarity and understanding, guide us along the path You have set before us. May our lives reflect Your light and love to those around us. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Today, let us take a moment to reflect on our own lives. What do we desire from Jesus? What areas of our lives feel blind or lacking clarity? Take a moment to cry out to Jesus. Be specific about what you need from Him, whether it’s guidance, healing, clarity, or strength. After you’ve expressed your heart, take a moment in silence to listen. What is Jesus saying to you? How might He be calling you to step out in faith? Like Bartimaeus, throw aside your cloak. Identify something that holds you back—fear, doubt, comfort—and consider what steps you can take to move toward Jesus.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
