Blind Bartimaeus

Bible Reading: Mark 10:46- 52

We see the story of Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, in the Gospel of Mark 10:46- 52.  This blind man was begging on the streets of Jericho as Jesus passed by.  Bartimaeus must have heard about Jesus, so he must have started shouting, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" When Bartimaeus jumped up and came to Jesus, Jesus asked him a question." What do you want Me to do for you?" (Mark 10: 51).  Why should Jesus ask Bartimaeus what he wanted?  This made me wonder.  Did not the all-powerful creator God already know the blind man's condition and his needs?  The Bible says in Ps 139:2, “You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off”.  "For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether" (Ps 139:4).  Since God knows all our needs, He can give us what we need even without asking!  Then, the prayer of supplication itself will be redundant.  But clearly, Jesus wants us to pray, and He has taught us to pray!  

Then why did Jesus ask this question?  That is what we have to answer today.

The Lord desired to hear what Bartimaeus would request!  Jesus wanted Bartimaeus to recognize his own need and ask with unwavering faith.  The Lord sought a confession of faith from the blind man's own lips, and in response to that faith, Jesus was prepared to answer him.  The Blind man, a humble beggar, could have asked for anything - food, clothes, or shelter.  Yet, Bartimaeus chose to ask for sight, a testament to his profound faith.  Often, when we are tasked with raising funds, we tend to ask for a larger sum from a wealthier individual and a smaller sum from someone less fortunate.  Our request mirrors the capacity of the person to whom the request is directed.  When we pray, our petitions reveal our faith in God.  The blind man believed that Jesus could restore his sight.  In verse 52, Jesus declared, “Go your faith has healed you,” and immediately Bartimaeus regained his sight.  Frequently, it is our lack of faith that hinders the hand of God!

My friend, let us put our trust in Jesus and believe that He is able deliver us from the predicament we are in today for it is always according to our faith!  Remember,"… with God, nothing will be impossible." ( Luke 1:37)

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, increase my faith so I can experience Your deliverance today.  Amen.

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