Jesus and The Blind Bartimaeus

Today's Reflections

Jesus and The Blind Bartimaeus 

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Mk 10:46-52

⁴⁶As [Jesus] was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. ⁴⁷On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” ⁴⁸And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” ⁴⁹Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, he is calling you.” ⁵⁰He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. ⁵¹Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” ⁵²Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

Reflection:

Master, I want to see. This is the blind Bartimaeus’ reply when Jesus asks what he wants done. The beggar is blind physically but not spiritually. He sees his need for Jesus as his savior and only hope in life. When he shouts, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me,” Bartimaeus recognizes Jesus as the promised Messiah, the anointed one who will bring salvation to his people. He accepts the gift of salvation. He has faith in Jesus. Receiving his sight, Bartimaeus follows Jesus on the way.

In contrast, the Jews who have good eyes are spiritually blind. They do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah of God. They continually reject his teachings, oppose his actions, and openly question his ways.

We are often blind ourselves. We may be like the many who rebuked the blind beggar and told him to be silent. Sometimes we keep quiet when someone we know is doing something illegal or immoral. We are blind when we try to silence and discredit someone more effective and more credible than us. If we do not see the goodness of other people but notice only their mistakes, if we remain untouched by another’s plea for forgiveness, we are spiritually blind.

If Jesus asks you,

“What do you want me to do for you?”

how will you answer?