Jesus passes through Jericho while He is on his way to Jerusalem for His triumphal entry. His mind is on the Cross. He will die on the Cross in one week. As He leaves Jericho a large crowd comes out with Him. The crowd creates busy streets with their busy lives. The crowd thickens around Him. Yet barely discernable is one crying out to Him.
He stops He hears. He pays attention when we call to Him.
Blind Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus for help. Bartimaeus cries, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mercy is Jesus' middle Name! Is Jesus thinking that by His example here we will learn to pay attention to those who need help? Surely so. Others order Bartimaeus to quiet down but he now yells to Jesus. Jesus hears.
Our Miracle Man Savior lovingly responds to heal Bartimaeus' blindness. How awesome! Bartimaeus has asked, "Let me see again." Our lesson from Jesus is to pay attention and listen to other's needs. Holy Spirit whispers to us: see those struggling, hurt, in need of Jesus' healing, and watch carefully over all children as protectors.
Like Bartimaeus may our blindness to others needs be cured as we follow You on the way.
Prayer: Lord, have mercy when we do not pay attention and stop like You've shown us here. May we bring others to you, Jesus Christ, for you still do miracles. In Your Name may we not be blind to others. Amen.
46 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. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 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.” 50 So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 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.” 52 Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed Him on the way. Mark 10:46-52
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