Learning from Bartimaeus the Blind Beggar
(Jeremiah 31: 7-9; Psalm 126: 1-6; Hebrews 5: 1-6; Mark 10: 46-52)
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Introduction: Blindness in the 21st century is bad enough – but it was much worse in Jesus’ day. Today a blind person at least has the hope of living a useful life with proper training. And Braille opens opportunities for education. Some of the most skilled and creative people in our society are blind. But in first century Palestine blindness meant that you would be subject to abject poverty. You would be reduced to begging for a living. You lived at the mercy and the generosity of others. One of the signs of the coming of the Messiah was that the blind should receive their sight. When Jesus announced his ministry, he said: “The spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has sent me to recover sight to the blind.”
Types of Blindness: The story of the healing of blind Bartimaeus in today’s Gospel would suggest to us that there are two kinds of blindness.
- The first kind of blindness is the blindness of Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus was unable to see and so he was consigned to a life of begging. But he could see that if he came to Jesus, he would be healed. It was a gift of faith.
- The second kind of blindness is the blindness of the disciples. The disciples of course could physically see. But in this case, they could NOT see the will of God. If they been aware of what Jesus intended to do, I am sure they would have eagerly helped Bartimaeus.
Lessons we need to learn from Bartimaeus the blind man.
1. Bartimaeus took responsibility for his own life “When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout.” He had to be responsible for himself. No one could step forward for him. He casting away his garment, rose and came to Jesus. This means he made a decision to be different, he made a determination to be different. He made a declaration to be different. Casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. This garment was symbolic of his lifestyle, He had lived in this garment the life of a blind beggar. It represented all the restrictions, and limitations and impossibilities of his life. It symbolizes the mental disposition that held him captive, that defined and determined his actions. The fact of being in a slump is not the problem, staying in that slump is the problem. You need to make the choice and act on it.
2. Believe you can change “Rabbi, I want to see.” Bartimaeus believed there was hope for him. He could have remained a beggar for the rest of his life. He believed in Jesus and that he could be healed. In standing up he was leaving the position that defined him as a beggar, in coming to Jesus he was leaving the condition that defined him as blind. In coming to Jesus: He was stepping into the unknown. Every phase of growth in the spiritual life requires that you step into the unknown go where you have not gone before, leave your comfort zone, The same Jesus that healed Bartimaeus is still doing miracles today. Never lose hope that Christ can change you You must be willing. If you want to be changed you must come into contact with Jesus
3. Clarify what you really need “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asks a serious question. The first step in discovering the difference is to recognize YOUR NEED. Jesus makes a difference to those who have a need. Is there a spiritual need in your life? God promises to pour out His blessings upon those who are thirsty. In Isaiah 44:3 “For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty. I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon your offspring.” Jesus makes the difference to those who know they are in need. Stop waiting for ideal circumstances. “As Jesus and His disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city.” Bartimaeus did not choose great circumstances. This was far from an ideal encounter. There is no such thing as “perfect” circumstances. Don’t wait for some perfect moment to seek God. No one knows when God will take us from this earth. The key is to step out in faith. Act now before the moment slips away. Start doing and stop stewing. Bartimaeus came to Jesus with reckless abandon. You need to get your focus on Christ
Consequences- Focusing on Christ will bring us personal renewal. It will renew our faith, our hope and our passion for Him and His kingdom.
Anecdote: Two men were sitting on a park bench. One was a Communist, the other a Christian. Along walked by a beggar with old, torn and tattered clothes. The Communist said, “Communism will give that man a new suit.” The Christian said, “Christianity will put a new man in that suit.”