“Then they came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you.” Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus. And answering him, Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And the blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!” And Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.” Mark 10:46-52

If there are none so blind as those who will not see, then there are none who truly see as those who are blind. Such is the case with a physically blind man named Bartimaeus.

The placing of this story in Mark’s narrative is significant. It follows the account of Jesus’ disciples seeking to hinder children from coming to Him (verses 13-16). Especially significant is that it follows the account of a rich young man who was unwilling to forsake riches to follow Jesus (verses 17-31). This rich young man walked away from Jesus whereas Bartimaeus chose to follow, leaving everything behind.

In verses 35-40, James and John boldly seek status at Jesus’ right and left hand in the kingdom, whereas Bartimaeus is a societal outcast who humbly and respectfully requests of Jesus that he might receive sight.

It is significant that Bartimaeus throws off his cloak as Jesus beckons to him to approach. As a poor blind beggar, this cloak was almost all that he possessed, yet he was willing to set it aside that he might approach Jesus. By contrast the rich young man, with all his many possessions, was unwilling to do so.

Bartimaeus is the picture of a true disciple — recognizing Jesus’ identity (“Son of David”), calling upon Him with persistent faith, casting aside hindrances, receiving mercy, and then following Him on the way of the cross. His compelling example calls to us to do the same.

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