Our scripture this morning is Mark 10:46-52.
Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.
I have a “secret sign” with family and friends that they use when I repeat myself. ✌🏻 this means “Doug, we’ve heard this at least twice”. That may be the case with this story.
At a particularly meaningful retreat study, our guest spoke on the scripture of Jesus healing Bartimaeus and the change it caused in his life. I wrote this as a response. In my defense, hearing a story more than once usually doesn’t cause any ill effects!
Dear Mom and Dad,
I know you’ll be real surprised to get a note from me since I haven’t been able to write for the last 10 years, but I have really amazing news – I can see again! Yes, miraculous is the only way to describe it but here’s what happened. Jesus was coming down the road where I was sitting in my spot. How did I know it was Jesus? I was blind, not deaf! Anyway, I shouted to him, he stopped and asked what I wanted. I told him I wanted to see! Jesus said to me “Go, your faith has healed you” and right then I could see again! I know this is quite a shock, but there’s more – I’m going to Jerusalem with Jesus! I promise I’ll pick up a new coat first chance I get. You may think regaining my sight must have made me crazy, but I’ll tell you, once Jesus has touched you, you can’t just go back and sit in your spot anymore.
Your loving son, Bartimaeus
Loving Lord, may we heed the example of those You have made whole and accept the healing You offer us all. Bless us to follow in faith as they did. Amen.