The next story in Mark’s account is one that offers us an opportunity to reflect on our own journey ‘on the way’. You can read it below, or listen if your prefer
and the full lectionary texts can be found here.
This story of healing the blind man Bartimaeus offers us a profound example of discipleship. Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus with a name that affirms him as the Christ, and this despite stern rebukes from the intimidating crowd. He gladly throws off his cloak (unlike the rich man with his many possessions), he springs up and comes to Jesus. He is asked the same question Jesus posed to James and John, but instead of asking for glory and status, he seeks restoration of his sight. Then, as he hears Jesus’ affirmation that his faith has made him well, he does not wait for an invitation to follow – he is already there, joining Jesus on the road to Jerusalem. This blind man, it seems, sees what is important, sees what others cannot, perhaps.
I wonder what stands out for you in that story, or what parts of this story resonate with your own journey of faith and discipleship? I wonder whose are the discouraging voices in your journey? (they may even be your own, inner voice). I wonder what kind of Christ you most often look for – the triumphant, victorious conqueror? The suffering, foot-washing servant? I wonder what kinds of requests you most often bring to this Christ? And what treasures you might need to throw off in order to follow or to receive healing restoration?
Looking forward to unpacking all those elements with you on Sunday.
Mark 10:46-52
They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.
Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.
