Jesus and His disciples were headed to Jerusalem. He had already told them that death awaited Him there. The hour had come for darkness to reign, and for His own people to despise and reject Him as they called for His execution.
Mark tells us that as Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city of Jericho, “a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’” [Mark 10:46-47]
Bartimaeus’ shouting got the attention of those around him, who promptly rebuked him and told him to be quiet. That response only got Bartimaeus to shout a little louder until finally the LORD Jesus heard him and stopped. Jesus commanded that they bring him closer.
Knowing that Jesus heard his shouts, and now wanted to speak to him, Mark says Bartimaeus threw his cloak aside, jumped to his feet and went to Jesus. When Bartimaeus met Jesus, his blindness became a thing of the past.
The world wanted Bartimaeus to shut up, but he would not. Instead of quieting, he grew louder. And because Bartimaeus would not quiet, healing came, light invaded his darkness.
Beloved, Jesus is walking by … are we going to remain quiet? Are we going to heed the world to quiet or will we follow the example of Bartimaeus and get even louder?
As for me … I’m shoutin’! Savior do not pass us by! Amen
