Blind Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by so he called out to him with a shout. Although the people told him to be silent, he refused. Jesus heard his cry and called him. Mark 10: 46-52 says, 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. Blind Bartimaeus said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Jesus said to him, “Go, your faith has healed you.” Immediately, he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Blind Bartimaeus had some unique qualities which God wants us to emulate.
He needed no eyes to believe
Physical weakness does not diminish spiritual strength. So was Blind Bartimaeus. He had not seen Jesus personally yet he believed who Jesus was and called Jesus when he heard Jesus was passing by. Jesus said to Thomas and all the disciples in John 20: 29, blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. If Bartimaeus was blessed, then his healing was in accordance with biblical and spiritual principles.
He believed the testimonies of others
Blind Bartimaeus also believed the testimonies of those who knew Jesus. Jesus had long been prophesied about in Isaiah 9: 6-7, for to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. Blind Bartimaeus was moved by the testimonies of others about the prophecies of Jesus so he devoted to Jesus.
He knew his season of deliverance
Blind Bartimaeus knew his time for liberty was near so he took his chance without delay. Psalms 90: 12 says, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Blind Bartimaeus knew there was no guarantee for a second chance. We must be able to reckon the times and seasons to act appropriately. Jesus cautioned in Matthew 24: 32; Mark 13: 28; Luke 21: 30, “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender, and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. for us to act.
He chose Jesus over public opinion
Blind Bartimaeus defied public protestation and opted to call on Jesus. We must not conform to public pressure and pleasures but what is right in Christ Jesus. Romans 12: 2 says, do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is– his good, pleasing and perfect will. Upon defying the norm to be silent, Blind Bartimaeus tasted God’s good, pleasing and perfect will for his life for he had a renewed mind of Jesus.
He knew his wretched situation
Blind Bartimaeus knew his circumstances and what he wanted changed. He alone could exercise the right to change his circumstances from depending on others to becoming a free man. 1Corinthians 3: 18 says, do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you become wise. We cannot deny our true circumstances but to change it if need be. Galatians 6: 3 says, if anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. May we not be fools in denying our circumstances with Jesus passing by.
He did not give up his dream
Blind Bartimaeus called Jesus persistently and incessantly in spite of the noise. He was eager to be heard amidst the drowning noise from many others all competing for Jesus’ attention. Acts 2: 21; Romans 10: 13 say, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. It was a competition for survival so the competing noise could not hold him captive. Blind Bartimaeus refused to be a slave to his surroundings. 2Timothy 2: 5 says, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. We must always hold on to our conviction in Christ Jesus.
He left what he valued to meet Jesus
Blind Bartimaeus threw his obstructive cloak away when he was told Jesus was calling him. He did not need his cloak because he knew that an encounter with Jesus will make him new in every aspect of life. 2Corinthians 5: 17 says, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Blind Bartimaeus did not directly hear Jesus calling him but through those around him not based on their appearances but the truth. Jesus calls us through many ways for he said in Luke 10: 16, “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.” We must be discerning enough to obey his call. Jesus does not need our filthy garments of sin.
What do we want from Jesus?
There is only one thing we need from Jesus which incidentally is the same thing we must do for him. The Spirit to obey his command and to submit to his Lordship. God said of Jesus in Matthew 17: 5; Mark 9: 7; Luke 9: 35, “This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased. Listen to him.” Acts 3:23 says, anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people. Do not let Jesus pass by without calling his name. He is ready to answer.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, we call on your name for help from your throne of grace. Please hear us from your throne of mercy while we pray in your holy name, Amen!!
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