HEARTS AND MIRACLES (4)

“Then many warned him to be quiet; but he CRIED OUT all the more, “Son of David, have MERCY on me!” – Mark 10:48                               

The story of Bartimaeus illustrates how MIRACLES answer to HEARTS crying for MERCY: “And when he HEARD that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to CRY OUT and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have MERCY on me!” Then many warned him to be quiet; but he CRIED OUT all the more, “Son of David, have MERCY on me!” (Mk.10: 47-48). Bartimaeus was a blind beggar who heard that Jesus was passing by. Recognizing the opportunity, he started shouting for Jesus’ attention, pleading for Mercy and healing. While the crowd surrounding him tried to keep him quiet, he became louder and eventually Jesus told His disciples to bring the blind man over, healed him and told him his faith made him well. He then followed Jesus and people praised God because of his healing.

Of the many miraculous healings by Christ, it is unusual for the Gospel writers to name the people that were healed. For undisclosed reasons Bartimaeus’ case was an exception. Being blind and poor, his main source of income was from begging. He heard that Jesus was about leaving his city, Jericho, and knew that this was his only chance to get healed. Having heard many wonderful things about Jesus, He used his one key resource – his Voice, crying out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (v.47). It was like the shout of a soul stranded on an island that saw a nearby ship – a Cry of Desperation! The proof of his Faith was that even before he had personal contact with Jesus, he firmly believed Him to be the Messiah, calling Him Son of David, a title that’s only reserved for the promised and Anointed One.

It must be noted that Bartimaeus was connected to his surrounding mainly by the sense of hearing (v.47). His world was essentially an inside world – a world in his heart! He could not walk by SIGHT even if he wanted to. His Faith was a total HEART FAITH! The faith of this blind beggar and outcast has withstood the testimony of time. Here are three significant, heart-related lessons to learn from his story:

A Fixed and Focused Heart: His is a testimony of desperation and determination to be healed. Hearing that Jesus was passing by and knowing he would not be able to make it through the crowd, he refused to be silenced when others tried to shush him as he cried out to Jesus for Mercy. Though not seeing Jesus, in his heart he was completely focused on the Lord, refusing to take “No” for an answer!

A Passionate and Hungry Heart: When he realized that Jesus had stopped for him, he threw off his garment and went to Jesus (v.50). In ancient times, the cloak was a valuable piece of clothing that served as an outer garment and a blanket at nights (Exo.22:26-27). It was so crucial to well-being that no one was permitted to deprive another of it even if it had been used to secure a loan (Dt.24:12-13). Bartimaeus flung off his cloak – a major tool of his trade – as he so ardently wanted to be free of any impediment in the way of his pursuit of Jesus.

A Proactive and Pointed Heart: When the question came, he didn’t beat about the bush. He told Jesus his greatest desire: “That I may receive my sight” (v.51b). He might have rehearsed this often in his heart. There was no iota of doubt; he didn’t need to think twice. Jesus spoke the word and Bartimaeus received his sight. He didn’t have to have to touch him. His faith, Jesus said, had made him whole (v.52).

Though ignited in the inner world of his heart, Bartimaeus’ miraculous healing and conversion was so incredible that it made a great impact on those who witnessed and heard of it. Having known him to be blind for years, they immediately started praising Jesus! Our hearts are crucibles for producing Faith for the manifestations of Miracles of Light that conquer Blindness and Darkness in all aspects of life!