‘Blind’ faith

They came to Jericho, and as Jesus was leaving with his disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus son of Timaeus was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus! Son of David! Have pity on me!’ Many of the people scolded him and told him to be quiet. But he shouted even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have pity on me!’ (verses 46-48)

Read Mark 10:46-52

I have been told that my eyesight is deteriorating, and the possibility of blindness is very real. This is something I dread, as reading is one of my joys.

How did blind Bartimaeus feel? Imagine his frustration. His blindness made him an outcast and a beggar. As he begs by the roadside, he hears Jesus is coming, and he shouts, ‘Jesus! Son of David! Have pity on me!’ Although blind, he recognises Jesus as the Messiah, ‘Son of David’, and despite the rebuking of the crowd he continues to call on Jesus as he passes by.

Jesus heard his cry. He hears us too. Don’t let the disapproval of others stop us from coming to him with our requests. Remember Bartimaeus. Trust that Jesus’ heart will be full of pity and that he will help us in our time of need.

Jesus, Son of David, hear my prayers and bless me. Help me to stay strong in my faith in you. Amen.

by Mary Heuschele, in ‘Assurance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2004)

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