Jesus Helps Me to See!

​Like so many of the stories in the Bible, we tend to read them flippantly and then just move on. I have treated the story of blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) in much the same fashion. It dawned on me recently while reading it that it provides some prominent lessons in those few short verses.

​I chose the word “dawned” intentionally because it represents the feeling of a sleeper awakening. I do not know about you, but I sometimes think that I walk through this life in a perpetual slumber while right before me is the abundant life that Jesus referred to. The words of life and the life conveyed through Him can be experienced right here and now if we would only take the time to learn the lessons.

The story of Blind Bartimaeus teaches us that persistent faith, bold humility, and a readiness to change are the keys to experiencing God's transforming power. Bartimaeus did not let his circumstances or the crowd stop him from seeking Jesus. 

For Bartimaeus, it was a hope he had never had before. The prospect of being healed stirred up excitement and anticipation. He immediately began trying to get Jesus’ attention. He started yelling for Jesus to have mercy upon him and called Him by His prophetic name, “Son of David.”

Jesus, a week away from His own sacrifice, was, as always, completely selfless and focused on the needs of another. Upon receiving notice that Jesus was calling for him, Bartimaeus abruptly arose, “throwing aside his garment,” and went to Jesus (v. 50). When he came before Jesus, Jesus said to him, “‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ The blind man said to Him, ‘Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.” 

It was this last sentence that got my undivided attention, specifically the verbiage, “he received his sight, and followed Jesus.” 

So, I have one question for you, have you ever received your sight from Jesus?

Make Every Day Count!

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