When Blind Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing his way, he shouted the name of Jesus to attract his attention because he had no eyes to judge how distant he was from him. The story is captured in Mark 10: 46-52. We summarize as follows: when he was told that Jesus was calling him, he threw his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus who asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “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. His faith made Jesus recognize him and call him. We continue with discussing his additional qualities which are worthy of emulation.
He raced to Jesus without delay
Blind Bartimaeus raced to Jesus when he called him. David said in Psalm 119: 60, I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. Just as David said, so did Blind Bartimaeus. Quoting scripture, Paul wrote in Hebrews 3: 7-8, 15; 4: 7, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness. Jesus calls us by our names to satisfy our needs out of pity and love so we must answer in person and individually. Are we also running to Jesus with a burden? Jesus says in Matthew 11: 28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
He was forthright with Jesus
Blind Bartimaeus was honest with Jesus about his needs. He knew he could hide nothing from Jesus. God said in Amos 9: 3, though they hide themselves on the top of Carmel, there I will hunt them down and seize them. Though they hide from my eyes at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them. He knew that only Jesus can set him free because he is the truth for John 8: 32 says, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Jesus had confirmed in John 14: 6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. Jesus said in Mark 4: 22; Luke 8: 17; 12: 2, whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. What are we hiding from God?
His overcame his barriers by faith
Blind Bartimaeus received what he wanted from Jesus even when the circumstances were oppressive. He could not see nor move among the crowd. No circumstance or situation is difficult for Jesus. He said in Matthew 19: 26; Mark 10: 27, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” No circumstance is above Jesus. Matthew 7: 7-8; Luke 11: 9-10 say, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Jesus will answer us when we meet him in faith. Romans 10: 12-13 say the same Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. It has no circumstance barrier. Be ready to receive from Jesus.
He took steps to change his future
Blind Bartimaeus took steps to change his destiny through Jesus. Unless we call on Jesus, we cannot change our future. Just as Jesus passed by the way of Blind Bartimaeus, so is he passing by the door of our hearts waiting to be called to he would change our future for good. Revelation 3: 20 says, here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and thy with me. Blind Bartimaeus needed to change his future for good from a beggar. Jeremiah 29: 11 says, for I know the plans I have for you.” Declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Only Jesus knows our future and we must entrust to him.
He needed sight from Jesus
Blind Bartimaeus needed eyes to see his circumstances and only Jesus could restore it. Psalm 146: 8 says the Lord gives sight to the blind. In our state of spiritual blindness, we need Jesus to show us the way. Jesus asked in Luke 6: 39, “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? Jesus is not blind to our circumstances however some of us are blind yet deny our blindness. Revelation 3: 17 says, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. We need sight to behold the beauty of God’s holiness and his glory by which his countenance will change our circumstances.
What do we want from Jesus?
We need to also take advantage of his presence. We must call on his name and present our case to him. Jesus said in Matthew 11: 28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” What is our burden, anxiety, need, frustration, tears, destitution etc.? Jesus is calling us to offload our burdens at his feet right now. Psalm 55: 22 says, cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Have the faith and trust of Blind Bartimaeus in unfailing Jesus.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, we call on your name to change my situation and circumstance to your glory and honour. Increase our faith as Blind Bartimaeus did so we may be worthy of your grace, favour, mercy and love by which you save those you love. We pray in your holy name, Amen!!
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