Today's Scripture
Testing the Pond – Mark 10:46-52
46 They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” 50 So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” 52 Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.
RJ's Devotion
What the passage says
V. 46-48 Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, hears that Jesus is passing by.
V. 49-51 Jesus hears his cry and invites him to come closer
V. 52 Jesus says, ‘Your faith has made you well…’ and Bartimaeus opens his eyes.
What does the passage say to me/us?
One of the interesting word, used in this passage, is the role of hearing. It starts with Bartimaeus ‘hearing’ Jesus leaving with his disciples. Imagine, he must have heard many stories that were circulating the town. How Jesus taught the truth, no one else heard of, and how Jesus healed the sick. So as he hears Jesus passing by, he knows that this is his only chance.
He cries out aloud, calling Jesus, to a point where people had to quiet him. Despite “Many sternly ordered him to be quiet” (v. 48), he was desperate, knowing that this might be his only chance. And Jesus hears his cry.
Jesus then invites him to come closer, and ask one of the weirdest questions“What do you want me to do for you?” (v. 50). Lord, isn’t it obvious?
However, the Lord wanted him to express his faith. To hear that Bartimaeus believes that Jesus can heal him, according to God’s will.
When he heals Bartimaeus he says, “Your faith has made you well” (v. 52).
So, what is God really asking us from this story?
In one word, ‘Do we have faith?’
In another word, ‘Am I really desperate for God’s hand to work in my life, or will I merely appreciate the extra help?’
Remember God sees our heart, not what we do.
Prayer
Lord, we want more of you in our life. Help us to let go of all that is prohibiting us to see you clearly. Help us to see how you are a God who answers when we cry out to you, with desperation.
In Christ’s name, we pray, AMEN
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