In Mark 11:11-25, Jesus gives sight to Bartimaeus, the last healing mentioned in Mark before entering Jerusalem. When Bartimaeus finds out this is Jesus, he cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” In crying out these simple words, people rebuked him and told him to be quiet. This only made him cry out even more. Once again, when the people want nothing to do with this man, Jesus takes him in and asks what he wants him to do. Bartimaeus replies, “Master, let me receive my sight.” With these words, it was done. Jesus, however, does not claim this victory for himself; he tells the man that his faith has made him well.
Later, Jesus will tell the disciples that faith can move mountains. I think about this and I wonder, “How strong is my faith?” Here is a blind man who sees nothing, only hears what has been said and done, but he has a greater faith than I can imagine. I have clear sight, at least with my glasses. I can look around me and see God’s creation just as the disciples could do, but, just like the disciples, I’m not sure I understand this kind of faith. Hebrews says that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. I always thought I could claim this, but do I really believe this idea that faith can save us and make us well? I have heard this story many times, but maybe I’ve only heard it with my ears and not with my heart.
Jesus has also told his disciples to accept the kingdom like a child. Imagine a child’s simple trust for their parent. Anytime anything goes wrong, the child runs to the parent knowing that they will take care of them. Here, Bartimaeus shows this simple trust. With this simple, child-like trust, he shows great faith. He runs into his Father's arms knowing all will be well. He sees Jesus’ mission in its truest sense, his eyes are opened, and he follows him.
In hard times, in times of misunderstanding, and in times of little faith we should remember the trust of a child, trust in its simplest yet greatest form. We should run to Jesus and cry out, “Have mercy on me; let me receive my sight,” and it will be done.
--Matt
1 comment:
I know we must miss out on many blessings in life simply because we don't have the faith to ask and to believe. It seems like such a simple thing, but I can't figure out why I continue to limit what I expect from God when I see all of the great things that He has done!
We're enjoying your posts. Keep it up!
Debbie
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