Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” (Mark 10:48-49)
On His way from Galilee to Jerusalem, Jesus passed through Jericho. Jesus knew that when He came to Jerusalem, He would be arrested, beaten, mocked, tried, condemned, and crucified. On His way to all that, Jesus met a wonderful man named Bartimaeus.
Bartimaeus was a blind beggar who lived in Jericho. Being blind, he couldn’t see the big crowd of people around Jesus as the Savior passed through the city, but he could hear all the commotion. Bartimaeus also knew that Jesus was the Messiah, and He had healed many people. So, when Bartimaeus could hear that Jesus was near, he started shouting out, Son of David, have mercy on me!
The bystanders didn’t like that. They thought Bartimaeus was rude and disruptive, so they told blind him to be quiet, and even warned him of trouble that would come if he didn’t shut up.
None of that stopped Bartimaeus or even slowed him down. Instead, he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Blind Bartimaeus didn’t have much tact, but he did have persistence and determination. People tried to shut him up, but they couldn’t because he really wanted a touch from Jesus.
The persistent and energetic nature of Bartimaeus’ prayer is a good example of prayer. He wasn’t discouraged because no one led him to Jesus. Those who told him to stay away did not discourage him.
The blind man knew what he needed from Jesus – mercy. He didn’t come thinking that God owed him. All he wanted from Jesus was mercy.
Jesus was impressed by this man who wouldn’t stop crying out to Him. Calling Bartimaeus to come, the following verses tell us that Jesus asked him, What do you want me to do for you? (10:51) The answer to that question might have seemed obvious, but Jesus wanted Bartimaeus to say it. The blind man said he wanted to receive his sight.
The specific nature of Bartimaeus’ request is a good example for our prayers. Have mercy on me is a broad, general request. But the prayer of Bartimaeus moved from the general to the specific request, asking to receive his sight.
Jesus healed Bartimaeus and told him, your faith has made you well (10:52). You can say that the faith of this blind man was rewarded because of the kind of faith it was:
– Faith determined to reach Jesus (he cried out all the more).
– Faith that knew who Jesus was (Son of David).
– Faith that came humbly to Jesus (have mercy on me).
– Faith that could tell Jesus what it wanted (that I may receive my sight, 10:51).
Come to Jesus with that kind of faith – unstoppable faith.