Jesus Opens Bartimaeus' Eyes
There Is a Purpose in God's Plan for Everyone, Even a Blind Beggar
When Bartimaeus met Jesus, there wasn't a long conversation. The blind beggar stated specifically what he wanted the Healer to do for him and the request was granted.
The incident is recorded in Mark 10:46-52 and Luke 18:35-43. A tattered beggar named Bartimaeus sat by the roadside, his sightless eyes staring blankly at the people milling around him. Because of his blindness, his hearing had developed keenly, allowing him to hear even whispered snatches of conversation.
An Unseen Vision of Hope
Huddled on the ground, he listened intently as voice after voice shared the miracles that happened when this man called Jesus came around. The most interesting to Bartimaeus were the stories of healing - how the crippled walked; demoniac set free; seizure victims restored; and some even knew of the dead being raised! But the best news he overheard was of the blind receiving sight. What would it be like, he may have wondered, to know how the color blue looked and to see the soft petals of a lily? If others had been given that gift, why not him?
Excitement rose as word passed through the crowd that Jesus and his disciples were coming in his direction. Bartimaeus raised his voice to call out, eager to seize the opportunity. Bystanders were powerless to shush him when he began his plaintive cry, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me".
An Appeal for Mercy Stops the Great Healer
Surrounded by the multitude, Jesus suddenly stopped and commanded Bartimaeus to come and stand before Him. Now, the crowd's attitude changed to encouragement and surprise. "...Rise, He is calling you," they said.
Bartimaeus wasted no time in stumbling forward over the uneven ground. Jesus' question was simple. "What do you want me to do for you?"
The blind man boldly responded, "Rabboni, that I may receive my sight."
Jesus spoke again, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." The miracle was immediate and the first sight for Bartimaeus' restored vision was the face of his Healer.
Why Heal a Ragged Old Beggar?
Perhaps some of the multitude wondered why Jesus would be so mercifully concerned about a beggar. After all, Bartimaeus didn't contribute to society, sitting on the roadside begging wouldn't add his name to any hall of fame. So what earthly purpose could He have in mind for the beggar? Luke's version provides the answer - "...and all the people when they saw it gave praise to God". They no longer saw a tattered beggar, they were looking upon a living miracle whose empty begging cup had just been filled to overflowing.
God Has a Purpose for Everyone
Regardless of anyone's station in life, God has a purpose for them. Because, you see, God doesn't recognize social status. He just sees His children and love takes over. Even those who may seem to be the least of the crowd in the eyes of others is of great importance to Jesus. Though they may be mired in the deepest clay - bodies twisted, eyes blinded, helplessly sitting by the roadside dependent on the charity of others.
Everyone sits by the roadside at one time or another, holding up an empty cup that only God can fill. Jesus knew Bartimaeus' condition, still He asked pointedly, "What do you want me to do for you?" He desires to hold a conversation with each of His children, encouraging them to express a specific prayer, even though He already knows every need. It's as simple as the One who loves the most having all the resources to fill the greatest requirements. Why wouldn't we trust Him to answer accordingly?
