Mark 10:46–52 ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ (v47)
Bartimaeus is well known for being the blind man who was given his sight by Jesus: and he’s persistent. He just doesn’t give up trying to attract the attention of the man he knows can heal him!
The crowds are telling him to keep quiet, to shut up, but he doesn’t listen to them. He keeps yelling. He wants Jesus to notice him. He is rewarded when the Lord stops on His journey – He is leaving Jericho – and calls the blind man to Him.
Bartimaeus throws everything aside (v50) and hears the words we all want to hear from the lips of Jesus: ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ (v51)! He wants His sight, and the Lord tells him that his faith has healed him (v52).
On receiving his sight, Bartimaeus follows Jesus, and we can only imagine how his life is changed from that point. It seems odd that Jesus asks the blind man what he actually wants.
It may seem obvious, but of course, being blind and begging was a way of life. At times, our needs may seem obvious, but do we really want to be free of habits, of lifestyles, that we know aren’t God’s perfect plan for us, but are just too difficult to think about giving up?
Bartimaeus knows what he wants, and he isn’t going to stop trying to attract Jesus’ attention. Jesus can give him what he needs. And he really, really wants his sight.
What, or who is it we are praying for, where we need to be more persistent until the Lord turns and asks us the question He asked the blind man? How serious are we about that need or expectation?
A Prayer To Make:
‘Lord, thank You that You delight to answer prayer. Sometimes, though, You ask us to be persistent. Help me to know what or who You want me to pray for today. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Is the Lord asking you to be more persistent in prayer? Ask Him what He really wants You to petition Him about this week.
Scripture To Consider:
1 Sam. 1:1–20; Ezra 8:15–24; Luke 18:1–8; Rom. 2:1–11
