I Once Was Blind, But Now I See
Welcome to Peniel CrossRoads, where we embrace Jesus’s heart and together live out the call to biblical unity!
He was the son of Timaeus, meaning “highly prized” or “honored” in Greek. And yet, Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-48 was not a person honored as he sat by the roadside begging. This was Bartimaeus’s occupation, apparently because he was disqualified from doing anything else that was profitable for him and for others. What an isolating situation—not being able to contribute to society and to be seen as dishonored in the eyes of people!
However, despite Bartimaeus’s disability and social status, he was an astute man with hidden talents. First, he was tenacious in calling on Jesus, regardless of the taunts and discouragement of others. Being despised socially, Bartimaeus was still persistent enough to make sure his voice was heard. He was a courageous man.
Secondly, Bartimaeus was astute in his understanding of who Jesus was, because Bartimaeus was the first person in Mark’s account to acknowledge Jesus’s Kingship! Until this point in Mark, everyone around Jesus was unable to grasp His true identity. Bartimaeus called Jesus “Son of David,” acknowledging that Jesus was royalty from the bloodline of King David!! Although Bartimaeus had not seen any of Jesus’s miracles firsthand, he must have heard reports about Him, because he heard Jesus was coming his way. So he positioned himself on the right road at the right time. He believed that Jesus was not only able but also willing to heal him. His tenacity was well-founded, as he was certain that Jesus would have mercy on him.
In response, Jesus restored Bartimaeus’s honor personally and in the eyes of his community. The same people who commanded Bartimaeus to “be quiet” (v.48) now attempted to cheer him up (v. 49) because Jesus had said of Bartimaeus, “Call him.” By calling a blind beggar, whom people despised, Jesus restored his standing in the community; Jesus raised people’s perception of Bartimaeus’s value. Then Jesus commended Bartimaeus’s faith when he said, “Your faith has healed you.” (v. 52) After the blind man’s healing, Jesus gave Bartimaeus the option to “Go” wherever he chose, but the son of Timaeus chose to follow Jesus along the road. So, in the end, Jesus also restored belonging to Bartimaeus, as Jesus allowed him to follow Him. The man who was once despised was now honored in the eyes of everyone because of Jesus’s calling and acknowledgement of his faith.
When Jesus looked at Bartimaeus (just as when Jesus looks at me), He saw the person first. And He met the person’s deepest need, restoration of honor and standing in the community. With his regained sight, Bartimaeus was able to follow Jesus along the road.
There are people among us whom society would deem as less capable, competent or honored due to various impediments. But people with disabilities or other limitations often have talents of immense worth that, when overlooked, can be missed. But IF we will slow down and take time to see people as Jesus did, to really SEE them as they are, with all their hidden talents and immense value—as sons and daughters made in the image of God and beloved by Him--we will see that they too are honored by Jesus.
Jesus loved blind Bartimaeus, both when he was blind and after Jesus healed his sight. Jesus chose Bartimaeus as His priority that day, to reveal the Kingdom coming.
We each have our own talents and weaknesses. Because Jesus is strong and because He is loving, it is okay if one of us is weak. It is okay that, as the Body of Christ, we carry each other’s burdens and, in this way fulfill the law of Christ, which is LOVE. (Gal. 6:2) Likewise, it is also okay if, when I am weak, I allow others to share my burden. Because this is the law of Love, and this is the Way of Christ.
“If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else…”Galatians 6:3-4
Lord Jesus, I ask You to give me eyes to see what You see! Help me not to despise anyone, young or old, male or female, rich or poor, able or disabled, popular or shy. I repent of those times when I have looked down on others to make myself feel bigger. I want to be more like You, Jesus. I want Your Kingdom to come through me…