Sunday Readings: Jeremiah 31.7-9; Hebrews 5.1-6; Mark 10.46-52
“Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting by the road. When he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was coming, he began to shout, “Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!”… Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go you way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the way.” – Mark 10.46-47, 51-52
Bartimaeus affirms Jesus is the messiah when he calls out, “Son of David, have mercy on me.” “Son of David” is a title that identifies Jesus as the long-anticipated king from David’s royal line.
Like many of Jesus’ followers, Bartimaeus is poor and inconsequential; he lives on the roadside of his society. Yet the early Christians storytellers remember him by name for becoming a ready disciple. Perhaps as Bartimaeus sat begging he heard people talk about Jesus. His shouting gets Jesus’ attention and expresses faith in him.
Even before Jesus heals his blindness, Bartimaeus throws away his cloak, in which he probably collected the money passersby threw his way. He leaves the trappings of a life of begging, ready to follow Jesus. He accepts the call to discipleship before Jesus gives it. His desire to see transforms Bartimaeus from beggar to disciple.