Bartimaeus

Mark 10:46-52

     Bartimaeus' name means son of Timai or son of the unclean.  Bartimaeus was a blind beggar who called for the attention of Jesus, begging for mercy. 

      Luke and Matthew each tell a similar story, although neither name the blind man.  But the healing in all three stories were of blindness being healed in the vicinity of Jericho.  It is believed, therefore that Luke and Matthew are telling of Bartimaeus' healing.  (Matthew 20:29-34; Luke 18:35-43)


     Matthew relates that there were two men who called out to Jesus asking to receive their sight. Luke and Mark only tell of the one.

     Upon hearing a commotion, Bartimaeus learns that it is Jesus of Nazareth.  All three gospels give Jesus this designation.  Bartimaeus cries out to catch his attention.  This indicates that Bartimaeus knew who Jesus was, and that he had a power to heal.  (Jesus was a common name in those times, so knowing that it was Jesus of Nazareth distinguished him from other men.)
      When Bartimaeus called out to Jesus, the crowd was excited by what was going on and didn’t want the blind man to interrupt what was happening. A blind beggar clearly had little importance to them. He would have been among the helpless and pushed-aside fringes of society. But he would not be silenced.  Likely both desperation and confidence in Jesus himself was involved.  He found the strength to persist.  And Jesus, who did not ignore the helpless or the despised, stopped.
     When asked what he wanted, Bartimaeus asked for his sight. Jesus heals him, saying, “Your faith has saved you.”
     Bartimaeus then followed him. Luke adds that he was glorifying God and all the people who saw it also praised God.
     The voices of the world frequently try to silence the followers of Jesus, to drown them out or simply co-opt them into conforming to worldly ideas. Bartimaeus may remind other followers of Jesus to be focused and to persevere.
     It is noteworthy that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. He would not live much longer. But he found time for the needs of an individual.

    An old fable tells of a blind sheep who was approached with the offer of being healed. That sounded good, but before the procedure, he asked what he’d been missing during the time of his blindness. When told of cruelty and war, selfishness and greed and hate, he declined to be healed. He said it would be a punishment to watch the terrible deeds of the world and its people. Soon after receiving his sight, one of the things that Bartimaeus may have had to endure was to watch the crucifixion. Did he wish he was blind once more?

Bartimaeus is noteworthy for his perseverance, faith and thankfulness.  Consider a particular area where perseverance is especially needed now in your life.