When Bartimaeus hears that Jesus is passing by, he calls out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" The reaction of Jesus, Bartimaeus, and the crowd is noteworthy.  Many within the crowd tell this blind beggar to keep quiet. In the Greek language, the language in which the gospel of Mark was written, the force is even stronger. Literally, it reads, "Keep shutting your mouth." Such a reading suggests that Bartimaeus should keep quiet and continue to keep quiet. His words are worthless before this spiritual leader. Such a reaction would seem harsh in our day and age, but it makes sense from the worldview of the first century. In their day and age if one was physically blind, then he was considered to be spiritually blind, too. As a result, the crowd has perceived Bartimaeus as one who is spiritually blind and has told him to keep quiet out of respect for their spiritual leader, Jesus. 

Our Lord does not see the blind beggar in this way at all for Jesus rightly knows that Bartimaeus is not blind spiritually. This man has rightfully acknowledged by his cry, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me" that Jesus is the rightful king of God's people. Thus, he reaches out to Bartimaeus and heals him noting that the blind man's faith has made him well.

This passage has a few points for us as we find ourselves on the road to Jerusalem at this time of Lent. On the road to Jerusalem, there are people who seem spiritually blind like Bartimaeus. They might appear to us on all accounts to be spiritually blind, but they can and often do make great professions of faith. Let us not give up on or discourage those who at first may seem blind to our Savior. Also, let us remember as Bartimaeus said, "Jesus is the Son of David," the rightful king of his people. As we continue on this road to Jerusalem, let us make Jesus more the king in our lives and in our church.

May God bless you as you travel this road.

Dr. Drake Williams