Tuesday, 3rd October 2023
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: BARTIMAEUS: A MAN OF FAITH
THEME SCRIPTURE: “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.” – Mark 10:52
- Why did Jesus say to Bartimaeus, ‘your faith has made you well’?
With Passover approaching, pilgrims from all over were heading towards Jerusalem. Jesus was also on His way there, and with Him were the disciples. A great multitude of watchers, curious seekers, the poor who hardly get to hear the gospel, etc., accompanied Him too (Mark 10:46). With all the sound from the crowd and pilgrims heading towards the Holy City, a desperate voice emerges, grating against the ears, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me” (Mark 10:47). It was the voice of blind Bartimaeus. He had heard that Jesus was in town with a great multitude. Being warned by the crowd to be quiet, Bartimaeus became aggressive and cried out the more, saying, “Son of David, have mercy on me” (Mark 10:48).
Precious one, faith is bold; faith is daring. Faith is audacious; faith cannot be deterred.
Bartimaeus was a blind beggar, and hearing of Jesus meant an opportunity to end his predicament—a chance he wouldn’t let slip by. Blind Bartimaeus shouted more and louder. Hearing the cry of faith, Jesus stood still and commanded that he be called (Mark 10:49). By this instruction, someone indicates to this blind man, “Be of good cheer. Rise; He is calling you.” By this statement, blind Bartimaeus was both encouraged and also called to faith. It takes faith to rise up when you have been sitting all your life begging. Yeah, rise up, because all those who labour and are heavy laden must take steps of faith to come to Jesus.
Beloved, Bartimaeus responded to the call of faith with an act of faith.
Hearing that the Master was calling him, this blind man abandoned his mat and his beggarly sitting position, rose up, threw away his ragged garment, and came to Jesus (Mark 10:50). A true faith response can only be an action in the direction of Jesus. And where there is faith, there also will be the glory of God (John 11:40).
Bartimaeus' faith was met with an open-ended question, “What do you want me to do for you” (Mark 10:51)? “Rabonni, that I may receive my sight,” Bartimaeus said. Jesus wasted no time in granting his request. He spoke to Bartimaeus these words, “Go your way; your faith has made you well” (Mark 10:52) and his life’s predicament was gone. The blind man immediately received his sight, and he followed Jesus on the way. One word from God is all that you need. One word from God can contain an entire life changing formula.
Precious one, by faith, a beggar became a disciple; a squatter became a pilgrim. If only you could believe, as blind Bartimaeus did, you should see the glory of God in your life.
Putting your trust and confidence in the words of Jesus is all you need, and your life or peculiar situation will never be the same again. Call on Him, and He will answer you, showing you great and mighty things that you do not know. You may be someone who has heard of Jesus but never encountered Him. Today, He is calling you, “Come.” Will you not rise and run to Him? Will you not cast away your old garments and respond to Him? Come as you are, and you will leave as another man, touched and transformed. Faith is all we need, and the just shall live by faith. Remain blessed.
FURTHER READING – Mark 10:46-52
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- How confident and reliant are you on God’s word?
PRAYER
Precious Father, my trust and confidence are in you. Today is the day you have made. I am knowing your word and also responding to your word with all my heart. I acknowledge the supremacy of your word over my life, all my days. Glory to God.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
1 Chronicles 17; Ezekiel 29; Galatians 3; Galatians 4
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