Bartimaeus – Mark 10:46-52
Bartimaeus – Mark 10:46-52
By Pastor Lee Hemen
September 26, 2010 AM
I watched a news story the other night that related how a man had noticed that his eyesight was being adversely affected. He had returned from a trip overseas and began to notice that he began to have headaches and his vision was getting worse. What the ophthalmologist discovered was kind of weird and scary. The man had a worm in his cornea. Evidently, he had been infected with this parasite while on vacation. Only 15 cases of this have ever been recorded. The doctor was able to kill it by using a laser. However, the man’s eyesight may never return to normal. How awful would that be, finding out your eyeball was infected with a parasite? Ugh!
I guess that out of all the senses I have, my sight would be one of the most important to me. In today’s passage of Mark, we find a man whose whole life was one of darkness. In Jesus’ day, if a person was born blind, people thought that either you had sinned or perhaps your parents had and God had made you blind because of it. I am not exactly sure how this explained why people who were blind from birth were sinners, except it was the parent’s fault in some way. Sadly, the man Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was blind. But on this particular day someone comes through Jericho were Bartimaeus lived and would change his life. Let’s discover who and how today…
READ: Mark 10:46-52
There were actually two different areas in the City of Jericho: An older section that was mainly Jewish and then a newer section which was mainly Roman. You had to travel through both in order to get to Jerusalem. We are not sure which Jesus was in, but more than likely the older section. A huge crowd was following and pressing in on Jesus, but in the midst of all the commotion, a blind beggar sits waiting. We discover that as Jesus and his disciples make their way through the crowd that day…
I. Bartimaeus saw his need! (Vv. 46-48)
1. You will remain blind until you realize your need in Jesus! Jesus and his disciples were entering Jericho and headed toward Jerusalem. As they were walking, there was a blind man by the roadside. This was a common thing in those days, not because of community tolerance for beggars but rather because there were, more who were impoverished and medicine was not advanced. Just about any debilitating disease or accident could cause you to be in danger of becoming a beggar. No cardboard signs, dower looks, and fabricated veteran tales for Bartimaeus. His problem was real and a constant concern. Being blind in Jesus’ day was just about as close to a daily death sentence as you could get. He could be killed in the streets, was often robbed, and He was totally dependent upon the mercy of the crowds in the marketplace. The good graces of others lead him where he needed to be. Yet this day was different because Bartimaeus had heard the talk of the crowds, Jesus of Nazareth was in Jericho. He had heard for years that Jesus could heal, he had wondered about it, he had prayed often wondering if God even cared, and here Jesus was in Jericho. Just perhaps this Jesus could heal his blindness. This was Bartimaeus’ chance. He was tired of being dependent upon others, he was tired of being in constant danger, and Bartimaeus saw his need. He began to holler as loud as he could, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Would Jesus hear? Those around him tried to rebuke him. Bartimaeus no longer cared what the crowd said. He shouted louder, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Would Jesus heal him, a sinner, and a blind man? More than anything else in life, Bartimaeus needed Jesus.
EXAMPLE: In our world today, there are a lot of ways to find out where you are on the globe. There are maps of course, compasses, sextants, global positioning devices; or you can use the stars or the internet. Many cell phones have GPS, Google Sky available, compasses, and internet mapping capabilities. You would think that with so many ways to find out where you are, no one would ever get lost or be lost. Yet, sadly, this is not the case. Many, each year, get themselves lost in the woods of the Northwest. It is easy to do, especially with the thick underbrush and the often-cloudy weather conditions. Interestingly many who get lost, that are found later, admit they were not prepared to find their way out, or that they became over confident and thought they knew exactly where they were. Spiritually, our lives can reflect the same kind of prideful mistake. We may pridefully think we know Jesus, when in reality we have no clue whatsoever. We are either ill prepared or pridefully confident in ourselves. We are lost and do not even realize it. Theologically it is called spiritual blindness. While Bartimaeus suffered from physical blindness, he realized his need and came to Jesus. He would soon realize his spiritual blindness as well. Bartimaeus saw his need, do you this morning or are you still spiritually blind?
After all, what did a blind man have to lose? Bartimaeus had already lost most of his dignity by begging for a living. He had immediately lost his social status by being blind. Bartimaeus had noting much left to lose except his life and was that so precious to him? We discover that…
II. Bartimaeus willingly left his blind lifestyle behind! (Vv. 49-50)
1. Things in life can trip you up until you throw them away! As Jesus and the disciples made their way through the crowds of Jericho, the people pushed one another and cried out for Jesus’ attention. They had heard he had healed others maybe he would heal someone here in Jericho today? Perhaps there were those in the crowd who desired to be healed themselves. Jesus stops as he works his way through the throng and pauses to listen. Jesus realizes that one lone voice raises above all the others and it is the blind beggar by the road. Jesus sends his followers to go and bring the man to him. So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Bartimaeus did not need to see Jesus to know where he was, he throws the cloak aside he was collecting alms in and heads in the direction he had last heard the Master’s voice. Now for us this morning it may seem like it was an easy choice for Bartimaeus, but least we think otherwise there is security in the things we know even if it blindness. People can become comfortable in their sin as well. Alcoholics, drug addicts, and those caught up in abusive situations can struggle with letting go of what they have become emotionally, physically, and spiritually enslaved. Yet we find here in Mark’s gospel a man caught in a life of darkness, wanting out. He wanted to see his sin cured and his eyesight return. He wanted Jesus more than he wanted to remain in his sin or sightlessness. What did Bartimaeus have to call his own? A ragged cloak to collect the few coins folks threw his way. Perhaps, an old carved wooden rod in order to feel his way along the city streets. All of his possessions, all he owned or cared about before was tossed aside and left behind him as he walked towards the voice of Jesus in the crowd. This is what we must do as well when we come to Jesus. We must cast aside anything that would hinder our coming to Jesus. Bartimaeus willingly left his blind lifestyle behind.
EXAMPLE: I do not know about you but my house is full of stuff I do not need or will I ever use. It seems as if every year I begin to “clean house” and end up with a whole new pile of stuff to take to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. I have a drawer in my dresser that is full of, well, junk! Yo-yos, old whistles, watches that do not run, coins, tie tacks, shoe laces, assorted pocketknives, balloons, pencils, old teeth (don’t ask), and other a sundry things. As much as I want to get rid of this junk, I find it hard to part with a lot of it. I guess when I die someone will go through and throw it all out, unless of course they begin to like some if for themselves! Why is it so hard for us to leave junk in life behind? Not only is this true for physical garbage but for our lives as well. It can be hard to leave our lifestyle behind when Jesus calls us to himself. Yet, like Bartimaeus, we must. We cannot hold onto the things of this world in order to gain the kingdom of God. Bartimaeus willingly left his blind lifestyle behind. Are you willing?
This tale of Bartimaeus is truly a reflection of our lives. We are all spiritually blind until we willingly leave everything behind and come to Jesus. Gaining new spiritual sight however is not enough in the life of a Christian. The believer must mature in their faith. The believer has to act upon what has occurred in their life. We discover that…
III. Bartimaeus’ newfound sight put feet to his faith! (Vv. 51-52)
1. Action always speaks louder than words! Before Bartimaeus reached Jesus, before he had cried out, and before he threw aside his cloak, Jesus knew he would come to him. Feeling his way to Jesus, Bartimaeus finds a way through the crowd. The crowd could represent for us the world. You may think that one blindly has to make their way through the confusion the world offers to find Jesus. But in fact, Jesus already is there waiting for us just as he was for Bartimaeus. Jesus looks into the man’s sightless eyes and asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus’ question does not reflect his ignorance of the man’s condition, anyone could see from the blankness of his face, he was blind, but rather Jesus desired to hear from Bartimaeus an expression of his faith. Did Bartimaeus believe Jesus could heal him? Bartimaeus’ simple response, “Rabbi, I want to see,” declared his confidence in Jesus’ ability. “Rabbi” is an intimate Aramaic word, meaning, “My Lord” or “My Master.” Bartimaeus saw Jesus as his Lord. “Go,” Jesus tells him, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. No matter how much we think we could, we cannot imagine what it would be like to be born blind, and then have our eyesight returned to us. I believe that only those who have lost their sight, have gone through blindness, and then have had their eyesight restored, can completely relate with Bartimaeus. The colors would have been intense, the light itself startling, and the curious crowds unsettling for him. However, none of that seems to affect him, he can only see Jesus. Bartimaeus’ response is to immediately follow his Master. Just saying you “believe in Jesus” or thinking that you do is not enough. You have to put feet to your faith and come to him. Bartimaeus’ newfound sight put feet to his faith!
EXAMPLE: In the movie Lucas, a skinny nerdy fourteen-year-old boy brags to his sixteen-year-old heartthrob that he is an athlete and part of the “in” crowd at his high school. Her incredulous look says it all. She does not believe his grandiose statements about himself. I found this humorous because it reminded me of when folks, after learning I am a pastor, try to convince me they are just as “Christian” as the next. They do not realize that their continued braggadocios spirituality simply sounds hollow. I have discovered that those who are actual Christians do not have to convince others of their faith. They have already proven it by their actions. As James would declare, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead!” (James 2:17) You have to put your faith into action, just as Bartimaeus did. Until you do, all your verbiage or holy thoughts about Jesus are just insincere musings. Bartimaeus’ newfound sight put feet to his faith!
Conclusion:
Bartimaeus saw his need! Bartimaeus willingly left his blind lifestyle behind! Bartimaeus’ newfound sight put feet to his faith!
—
Pastor Lee Hemen has been the outspoken pastor of the same church for 25 years in Vancouver, WA. He writes regularly on spirituality and conservative causes and maintains several web blogs. This article is copyrighted © 2010 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.
By Pastor Lee Hemen
September 26, 2010 AM
I watched a news story the other night that related how a man had noticed that his eyesight was being adversely affected. He had returned from a trip overseas and began to notice that he began to have headaches and his vision was getting worse. What the ophthalmologist discovered was kind of weird and scary. The man had a worm in his cornea. Evidently, he had been infected with this parasite while on vacation. Only 15 cases of this have ever been recorded. The doctor was able to kill it by using a laser. However, the man’s eyesight may never return to normal. How awful would that be, finding out your eyeball was infected with a parasite? Ugh!
I guess that out of all the senses I have, my sight would be one of the most important to me. In today’s passage of Mark, we find a man whose whole life was one of darkness. In Jesus’ day, if a person was born blind, people thought that either you had sinned or perhaps your parents had and God had made you blind because of it. I am not exactly sure how this explained why people who were blind from birth were sinners, except it was the parent’s fault in some way. Sadly, the man Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was blind. But on this particular day someone comes through Jericho were Bartimaeus lived and would change his life. Let’s discover who and how today…
READ: Mark 10:46-52
There were actually two different areas in the City of Jericho: An older section that was mainly Jewish and then a newer section which was mainly Roman. You had to travel through both in order to get to Jerusalem. We are not sure which Jesus was in, but more than likely the older section. A huge crowd was following and pressing in on Jesus, but in the midst of all the commotion, a blind beggar sits waiting. We discover that as Jesus and his disciples make their way through the crowd that day…
I. Bartimaeus saw his need! (Vv. 46-48)
1. You will remain blind until you realize your need in Jesus! Jesus and his disciples were entering Jericho and headed toward Jerusalem. As they were walking, there was a blind man by the roadside. This was a common thing in those days, not because of community tolerance for beggars but rather because there were, more who were impoverished and medicine was not advanced. Just about any debilitating disease or accident could cause you to be in danger of becoming a beggar. No cardboard signs, dower looks, and fabricated veteran tales for Bartimaeus. His problem was real and a constant concern. Being blind in Jesus’ day was just about as close to a daily death sentence as you could get. He could be killed in the streets, was often robbed, and He was totally dependent upon the mercy of the crowds in the marketplace. The good graces of others lead him where he needed to be. Yet this day was different because Bartimaeus had heard the talk of the crowds, Jesus of Nazareth was in Jericho. He had heard for years that Jesus could heal, he had wondered about it, he had prayed often wondering if God even cared, and here Jesus was in Jericho. Just perhaps this Jesus could heal his blindness. This was Bartimaeus’ chance. He was tired of being dependent upon others, he was tired of being in constant danger, and Bartimaeus saw his need. He began to holler as loud as he could, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Would Jesus hear? Those around him tried to rebuke him. Bartimaeus no longer cared what the crowd said. He shouted louder, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Would Jesus heal him, a sinner, and a blind man? More than anything else in life, Bartimaeus needed Jesus.
EXAMPLE: In our world today, there are a lot of ways to find out where you are on the globe. There are maps of course, compasses, sextants, global positioning devices; or you can use the stars or the internet. Many cell phones have GPS, Google Sky available, compasses, and internet mapping capabilities. You would think that with so many ways to find out where you are, no one would ever get lost or be lost. Yet, sadly, this is not the case. Many, each year, get themselves lost in the woods of the Northwest. It is easy to do, especially with the thick underbrush and the often-cloudy weather conditions. Interestingly many who get lost, that are found later, admit they were not prepared to find their way out, or that they became over confident and thought they knew exactly where they were. Spiritually, our lives can reflect the same kind of prideful mistake. We may pridefully think we know Jesus, when in reality we have no clue whatsoever. We are either ill prepared or pridefully confident in ourselves. We are lost and do not even realize it. Theologically it is called spiritual blindness. While Bartimaeus suffered from physical blindness, he realized his need and came to Jesus. He would soon realize his spiritual blindness as well. Bartimaeus saw his need, do you this morning or are you still spiritually blind?
After all, what did a blind man have to lose? Bartimaeus had already lost most of his dignity by begging for a living. He had immediately lost his social status by being blind. Bartimaeus had noting much left to lose except his life and was that so precious to him? We discover that…
II. Bartimaeus willingly left his blind lifestyle behind! (Vv. 49-50)
1. Things in life can trip you up until you throw them away! As Jesus and the disciples made their way through the crowds of Jericho, the people pushed one another and cried out for Jesus’ attention. They had heard he had healed others maybe he would heal someone here in Jericho today? Perhaps there were those in the crowd who desired to be healed themselves. Jesus stops as he works his way through the throng and pauses to listen. Jesus realizes that one lone voice raises above all the others and it is the blind beggar by the road. Jesus sends his followers to go and bring the man to him. So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Bartimaeus did not need to see Jesus to know where he was, he throws the cloak aside he was collecting alms in and heads in the direction he had last heard the Master’s voice. Now for us this morning it may seem like it was an easy choice for Bartimaeus, but least we think otherwise there is security in the things we know even if it blindness. People can become comfortable in their sin as well. Alcoholics, drug addicts, and those caught up in abusive situations can struggle with letting go of what they have become emotionally, physically, and spiritually enslaved. Yet we find here in Mark’s gospel a man caught in a life of darkness, wanting out. He wanted to see his sin cured and his eyesight return. He wanted Jesus more than he wanted to remain in his sin or sightlessness. What did Bartimaeus have to call his own? A ragged cloak to collect the few coins folks threw his way. Perhaps, an old carved wooden rod in order to feel his way along the city streets. All of his possessions, all he owned or cared about before was tossed aside and left behind him as he walked towards the voice of Jesus in the crowd. This is what we must do as well when we come to Jesus. We must cast aside anything that would hinder our coming to Jesus. Bartimaeus willingly left his blind lifestyle behind.
EXAMPLE: I do not know about you but my house is full of stuff I do not need or will I ever use. It seems as if every year I begin to “clean house” and end up with a whole new pile of stuff to take to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. I have a drawer in my dresser that is full of, well, junk! Yo-yos, old whistles, watches that do not run, coins, tie tacks, shoe laces, assorted pocketknives, balloons, pencils, old teeth (don’t ask), and other a sundry things. As much as I want to get rid of this junk, I find it hard to part with a lot of it. I guess when I die someone will go through and throw it all out, unless of course they begin to like some if for themselves! Why is it so hard for us to leave junk in life behind? Not only is this true for physical garbage but for our lives as well. It can be hard to leave our lifestyle behind when Jesus calls us to himself. Yet, like Bartimaeus, we must. We cannot hold onto the things of this world in order to gain the kingdom of God. Bartimaeus willingly left his blind lifestyle behind. Are you willing?
This tale of Bartimaeus is truly a reflection of our lives. We are all spiritually blind until we willingly leave everything behind and come to Jesus. Gaining new spiritual sight however is not enough in the life of a Christian. The believer must mature in their faith. The believer has to act upon what has occurred in their life. We discover that…
III. Bartimaeus’ newfound sight put feet to his faith! (Vv. 51-52)
1. Action always speaks louder than words! Before Bartimaeus reached Jesus, before he had cried out, and before he threw aside his cloak, Jesus knew he would come to him. Feeling his way to Jesus, Bartimaeus finds a way through the crowd. The crowd could represent for us the world. You may think that one blindly has to make their way through the confusion the world offers to find Jesus. But in fact, Jesus already is there waiting for us just as he was for Bartimaeus. Jesus looks into the man’s sightless eyes and asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus’ question does not reflect his ignorance of the man’s condition, anyone could see from the blankness of his face, he was blind, but rather Jesus desired to hear from Bartimaeus an expression of his faith. Did Bartimaeus believe Jesus could heal him? Bartimaeus’ simple response, “Rabbi, I want to see,” declared his confidence in Jesus’ ability. “Rabbi” is an intimate Aramaic word, meaning, “My Lord” or “My Master.” Bartimaeus saw Jesus as his Lord. “Go,” Jesus tells him, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. No matter how much we think we could, we cannot imagine what it would be like to be born blind, and then have our eyesight returned to us. I believe that only those who have lost their sight, have gone through blindness, and then have had their eyesight restored, can completely relate with Bartimaeus. The colors would have been intense, the light itself startling, and the curious crowds unsettling for him. However, none of that seems to affect him, he can only see Jesus. Bartimaeus’ response is to immediately follow his Master. Just saying you “believe in Jesus” or thinking that you do is not enough. You have to put feet to your faith and come to him. Bartimaeus’ newfound sight put feet to his faith!
EXAMPLE: In the movie Lucas, a skinny nerdy fourteen-year-old boy brags to his sixteen-year-old heartthrob that he is an athlete and part of the “in” crowd at his high school. Her incredulous look says it all. She does not believe his grandiose statements about himself. I found this humorous because it reminded me of when folks, after learning I am a pastor, try to convince me they are just as “Christian” as the next. They do not realize that their continued braggadocios spirituality simply sounds hollow. I have discovered that those who are actual Christians do not have to convince others of their faith. They have already proven it by their actions. As James would declare, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead!” (James 2:17) You have to put your faith into action, just as Bartimaeus did. Until you do, all your verbiage or holy thoughts about Jesus are just insincere musings. Bartimaeus’ newfound sight put feet to his faith!
Conclusion:
Bartimaeus saw his need! Bartimaeus willingly left his blind lifestyle behind! Bartimaeus’ newfound sight put feet to his faith!
—
Pastor Lee Hemen has been the outspoken pastor of the same church for 25 years in Vancouver, WA. He writes regularly on spirituality and conservative causes and maintains several web blogs. This article is copyrighted © 2010 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.
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