This week we find Jesus passing through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem. While He is walking the streets, He hears a man shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” The voice doesn’t actually say what he is looking for, only for Christ to help him. Even though Jesus’ disciples try and stifle the blind beggar, he is persistent when asking for help, not letting the crowd quiet him. Jesus askes that the man be brought to him and as we find out, the man is cured of his blindness, as Jesus says, “your faith has saved you”. He doesn’t say, “I have saved you.” It is the man’s faith that received that healing.
Now he too becomes a disciple and follows Jesus. Bartimaeus isn’t asked or told to follow Jesus like in other scripture stories. Jesus says “Go”. Is that the same as “come, follow Me”? Maybe Bartimaeus is so grateful for his sight that he wants to follow Christ. Or perhaps Bartimaeus’ faith has been restored or proven.
What about those that rebuke him. Why is that? Why don’t they want Jesus to help him? Protection of the Messiah, jealousy, embarrassment?
For me, this scripture compels me to think about trust and faith and confidence. There’s the one who needs help, the one with compassion and grace to help and the ones who are not willing to help. There are always those who will try and quiet us. But with persistence and confidence when we ask God for help, we can be sure our prayers will be heard and trust that God wants to help us.