Bartimaeus.

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. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, ”Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling on you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. “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.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. (Mark 10:46-52).

The story of Bartimaeus starts with Jesus coming to Jericho. News about him had gone ahead of him, and therefore many spectators had come to watch. When we read about Jesus’ visit to Jericho in the other gospels, we see that not much happened here, apart from the miracle of Bartimaeus receiving his sight and Jesus visiting Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector (Luke 19). Apparently, Jesus only spent a short time in this city. As we read in verse 46: “Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city…”

This was Jesus’ last visit to Jericho. He was on his way to Jerusalem to complete the mission given to him by his Father: to be an atoning sacrifice for the sins of mankind. When Bartimaeus realized Jesus was on his way out of town, he started to shout at him. This was his opportunity of a lifetime, and if he did not use it, he would still be a blind beggar. He was not particularly considered or respected by the people. “For many threatened him to be quiet”, but they could not stop him ”…he shouted even louder”.

Then Jesus stopped, and told those around him to “Call him!” When we ponder on the fact that Bartimaeus made Jesus to stand still, it causes awe. “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created trough him and for him. (Colossians 1:16). The creator stopped for a blind beggar! What caused Jesus to stop?

Let us look on what Bartimaeus shouted. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Once, the Lord promised David that one of his sons would inherit the throne for all eternity. During this time right and justice would prevail. It should be a time of great peace. Even though Bartimaeus was blind, he was able to hear. Faith does not come from what we see, but by hearing the message (Romans 10:17). The crowds saw the miracles that Jesus did, but only those who came to Him in faith were met. While Bartimaeus begged, he listened to what the people said about Jesus. He heard about people who were healed. People that were fed with some few fish and bread in the wilderness. He heard about Jesus walking on water. He heard about what Jesus did, and then made his conclusions. This had to be the Son of David!

The reason Jesus stopped when Bartimaeus shouted was that he cried for mercy. Jesus cannot deny himself, for it is written: “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are Yes in Christ. And so trough him the Amen is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (2.Corinthians 1:20).

When we receive mercy from the Lord, something happens, not only with us but also with those around us. The people that encouraged Bartimaeus to stand up, had just threatened him to make him quiet. When Bartimaeus stood up he threw of his cloak, the clothes that characterized him as a beggar. The cloak symbolized rejection, humiliation and intimidation. He got up on his feet and stood before Jesus, son of David, He who fulfills all the promises of God.

Bartimaeus got what he wanted, he received his sight back. From that moment, his life totally changed. From being a poor blind beggar sitting by the road, he was a seeing disciple of Jesus who followed him on the road.

It is written, “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6). Jesus was in Jericho, near to Bartimaeus, so Bartimaeus could not do anything but call on him. Jesus’ visit to Jericho was an opportunity for the people there to call upon the Lord for mercy. However, only Bartimaeus did, and Jesus only did one miracle there.

When you know that the Lord is near, it is time for you to call on him. Remember, the Lord of the Universe stopped because a blind beggar cried for mercy.