The Blind Man

Mark 10

A crowd followed as Jesus and His disciples approached a town called Jericho. At the edge of town sat a poor blind man named Bartimaeus. When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he began to scream and yell with all his might. "Jesus!" he cried. "Son of David, have mercy on me!" People nearby tried to quiet blind Bartimaeus. But the more they tried, the louder he shouted. "Son of David!" he hollered at the top of his lungs. "Please, have mercy on me!"

Jesus stopped walking and turned to His disciples. "Call that man over to Me," He said.

The disciples went to Bartimaeus. "Cheer up!" they said. "Get on your feet and come with us. Jesus is calling for you." Tossing down his cloak, the blind man leaped up and went with them.

"What do you want me to do?" asked Jesus.

"Teacher," said Bartimaeus, "I wish to see."

"Go," said Jesus. "Because of your faith, you are healed." Instantly, Bartimaeus could see! He followed Jesus, looking at everything as he went!

Jesus Loves the Unwanted

In Jesus' time the poor could only help themselves by begging, hoping that someone would be compelled to toss them a coin. This was the case for blind Bartimaeus. By now, Jesus' fame had spread throughout the region of Galilee. Naturally this blind man became excited when he heard that Jesus was coming his way.

Bartimaeus knew the Son of David could not possibly refuse him. Imagine how thrilled he must ave been when Jesus did restore his sight. By doing this, Jesus fulfilled the promised made long ago by Isaiah that the eyes of the blind were opened (Isaiah 35:5). Is there something in your life that needs Jesus' healing? Don't hesitate to call out to him.