Climbing a hillside 4) B1 Bartimaeus

One of the great things about Mark 10:35-45 is that it flows into verses 46-52. Two stories are vitally linked together. As they were leaving Jericho a blind man, Bartimaeus, was sitting by the roadside begging. The lowest of the low. Totally dependent on others. When he hears that it is Jesus who is coming with a great crowds he starts shouting.  It seems he has a loud voice:' Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me '  He's sitting down  As people look in his direction those standing around him, with embarrassment probably, tell him to keep quiet.  What would Jesus want to do with a down-and-out like you?! Frankly, he is not worth anything.  And that is exactly the point!  He is not worth anything. All he can do is cry out for help.  And he shouts again, all the louder.

Jesus hears the cry for mercy.  He stops and calls him, this man who is worth nothing.  Jumping up he finds his way to Jesus, who says to him: What do you want me to do for you?  This is exactly the same question that he asked James and John.  They replied they wanted places in glory with him.  Pumped up disciples.  Bartimaeus is at the bottom - his need is essential. 'Rabbi, I want to see'.  When Jesus tells him 'Go, your faith has healed you'  Bartimaeus sees Jesus and knows that he needs to follow him.  He becomes a disciple on the journey and maybe he's with Jesus on Palm Sunday!  

All the other respectable people in the crowd were, of course, too important to cry out: Have mercy on me.  But it's the beggar who is humble- minded and knows that he needs God. His persistence, his perception of who Jesus is and of  his need of Jesus' help reveal spiritual reality. The way of Jesus begins when people realize their need of God's help and mercy and it continues as we admit we keep needing his mercy and help.  And it is humbling to stay knowing your spiritual poverty.

And to help us, many Christians use the 'Jesus Prayer".  To be shared next time!