Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
The gospels contain a number of episodes where, in the midst of crowds, Jesus has dealings with just one person. Mark records just such an episode, as Jesus – accompanied by a huge crowd – was passing through Jericho, on His final journey to Jerusalem.
The individual concerned was Bartimaeus. If you’d been putting up the bunting that morning ahead of Jesus’ visit, he was surely the last person you’d have expected to be included in the official account of the day. For he was a blind beggar. He sat on the edge of town, cap on the ground, hoping someone would make up the for the fact he was unable to work by chucking in a coin or two.
He rocketed to attention by making a scene.
As he heard the crowd, he asked what the fuss was about. Jesus of Nazareth was coming – down his street! Jesus – the miracle-worker, the Messiah God had sent! Was this his chance of a cure? So he bellowed, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
But to many in the crowd, this was an embarrassment. A blind beggar shouting out! Shouldn’t Jesus be given respect, rather than this kind of desperate yell for help?
Yet their attempts to gag proved hopeless. Bartimaeus repeated himself, but turned up the volume.
Jesus stopped and called Bartimaeus forward. “What do you want me to do for you?”, asked the Lord. “I want to see!” was his reply. On the spot, Jesus gave Bartimaeus his sight, and the formerly blind beggar now followed Jesus along the road.
This has been written down for us. Jesus told Bartimaeus, “Your faith has healed you.” Bartimaeus illustrates what saving faith looks like. He recognised who Jesus is, and, mindful of his own great need, cried out to Him for mercy.
In this, there seems to be a contrast with the crowd. They respect Jesus; Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus for mercy. Many today see Jesus as a figure of respect, but take matters no further. But we urgently need to come to Him to receive His mercy for our sins. For – amazingly, considering He was and is God’s promised King – He came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.
“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” That is saving faith!
And the result? The experience and life of the disciple: Bartimaeus was given sight and followed Jesus along the road.
