John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? Then Jesus answering them said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. – Luke 7:20, 22

Text: Mark 10:46-52

Summary: The story of Jesus healing blind Bartimaeus.

I once visited an underground cavern. When the tour guide had the group near the bottom of the cave he turned out the lights. It was so dark that I could not see my hand in front of my face. This is as close as I can imagine what it must be like to be blind. Close your eyes for a moment. If you try to walk around right now you might bump into things. I’m sure you can appreciate what a blessing it is to be able to see.

One day Jesus passed through the city of Jericho. A large crowd followed him. A blind man named Bartimaeus sat by the road. No one would give him a job because he was blind, so he had to beg for food and money.

(Read Mark 10:47-48) Bartimaeus believed that Jesus was God’s chosen One, the Messiah, so he called him the Son of David. Bartimaeus had heard how Jesus had healed other people and he knew Jesus could heal his blindness. So even though the people told him to be quiet, he hollered even louder for Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. Then Jesus stopped and told those nearby to call him.

Can you imagine how excited Bartimaeus was to hear that Jesus was waiting for him? He had something very important to ask Jesus. He had so much faith in Jesus that he cast his robe aside and left it behind. That robe may have been the only thing in the world he owned but it meant nothing to him compared to meeting the Lord of Life. Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he could do for him. If you were blind what would you ask Jesus to do? Would you ask for a new robe or a lot of money? (No) Of course not. You would ask to be able to see and that is what Bartimaeus did.

(Read Mark 10:52) Bartimaeus immediately received his sight as soon as Jesus spoke the words. Jesus is God so when he gives the word it happens right then. We don’t have to wait. Bartimaeus followed Jesus in the way. When God finds you (did you think you found God?) and changes your life forever it is only natural to follow Him.

Some people are blind even though they can see with their eyes because they don’t understand that Jesus is the Son of God. This unbelief causes darkness in their hearts and minds. Jesus tells us we are the light of the world and to let our light shine in such a way that others can see that we serve God and give Him the glory. (Matthew 5:14,16) This may be just what others need to understand that Jesus loves them and wants them to see God.

©2000 by Jim Kerlin. All rights reserved.