Mark 10, The Message
46-48 They spent some time in Jericho. As Jesus was leaving town, trailed by his disciples and a parade of people, a blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, was sitting alongside the road. When he heard that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by, he began to cry out, “Son of David, Jesus! Mercy, have mercy on me!” Many tried to hush him up, but he yelled all the louder, “Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!”

49-50 Jesus stopped in his tracks. “Call him over.”

They called him. “It’s your lucky day! Get up! He’s calling you to come!” Throwing off his coat, he was on his feet at once and came to Jesus.

51 Jesus said, “What can I do for you?”

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

52 “On your way,” said Jesus. “Your faith has saved and healed you.”

In that very instant he recovered his sight and followed Jesus down the road.

It is interesting what blind Bartimaeus shouted when he heard that Jesus was near…”Son of David, Jesus!” Bartimaeus had heard of Jesus, so he cries out to Him, knowing he can heal him. Jesus heard his cries and he healed him, not from the man’s repeated cries, but by the man’s inner FAITH.

Bartimeus had heard of Jesus and his miracles, and learning that he was passing by, hoped to recover his eyesight. In coming to Christ for help and healing, we should look to him as the promised Messiah. The gracious calls Christ gives us to come to him, encourage our hope, that if we come to him we shall have what we come for. Those who would come to Jesus, must cast away the garment of their own sufficiency, must free themselves from every weight, and the sin that drags us down and blinds us.

May we all, as sinners and saints imitate blind Bartimeus. Where the gospel is preached, or the written words of truth circulated, Jesus is passing by, and this is the opportunity. It is not enough to come to Christ for spiritual healing, but, when we are healed, we must continue to follow him; that we may honor him, and receive instruction from him. Those who have spiritual eyesight, see that beauty in Christ which will draw them to run after him. (Some excerpts from Matthew Henry Commentary.)

Dear Heavenly Father, We repent of all that binds us to knowing You and following You. You have restored our sight today. Thank you for your love, mercy and grace that abounds in Your power to heal, restore and encourage as You guide. Thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do in and through our lives as we continue to follow You wherever You take us.
In Jesus Name, Amen