Jericho was a prosperous town with steady traffic and abundant trade. Therefore, it was no surprise that when Jesus and his disciples showed up, they attracted a pretty large crowd.
Having been designated as "unclean" because of his blindness and left to beg on the side of the road on the outskirts of town, most people either ignored Bartimaeus or were repulsed by him and stayed away. (Just like most of us do today when we come upon someone holding a cardboard sign on the street corner asking for help).
As Jesus headed out of Jericho with the crowds in tow, Bartimaeus could hear them coming. This was his chance! He started yelling to him, recognizing him not as a pop icon like most people, but as the Messiah and begging not for money but for mercy. He made such a stir that people were trying to shut him up and get him to stop, but to no avail. He continued on until he got the attention of the one man who could help him.
"So they called the blind man. 'Cheer up,' they said. Come on, he's calling you!'
Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.
'What do you want me to do for you?' Jesus asked.
'My Rabbi,' the blind man said, 'I want to see!'" (Mark 10:49-51)
This is one of those events that is abundant with things to learn from. First, a reminder of how often we are blind to the goodness right in front of us. While everyone else was fascinated by Jesus because of his popularity, it was the blind man who saw Jesus for who he really was. He wasn't chasing the latest craze; he was calling for mercy. He also wasn't concerned about what "people" thought. He didn't quit despite being chastised by the public. If you want to be seen or heard, you need to set yourself apart from the competition and don't quit.
When Jesus called, Bartimaeus didn't hesitate. He jumped up and ran to him. He abandoned his coat and ran. No "should I stay or should I go" moment, just action. When Jesus calls, why do we hesitate? When we see an opening, why are we reluctant to step through it? Have the confidence to know that when the door is opened, it's for you to walk through and when it's God on the other side....run.
Bartimaeus knew what he wanted. He asked for sight, and instantly it was given to him. You don't get what you don't ask for. If you want something, ask for it. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. You're worth it.
See the good around you.
Be bold and stand out from the crowd. When the door opens, walk through it with confidence and ask for what you want. God knows the desires of your heart already, so don't be shy about it.
Come on, he's calling you! Get up and run to Him. And don't ignore the blind beggars you come across. You just may be the one God sent to help them...or vice versa.
