Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “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!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10:46-52 NIV
Bartimaeus had one desire that drove him; he wanted to see! Nothing was more important, so when he heard that Jesus was passing by he acted quickly and decisively. He realized that Jesus was the only one who could give him his sight so he passionately cried out for his help. Others tried to deter him; they rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but Bartimaeus shouted out all the more. When you want something as desperately as Bartimaeus wanted to see, no matter who tries to discourage you, nothing gets you off track. What would it be like if we pursued knowing Jesus with the same passion as Bartimaeus displayed? There’s something to be said for having a single focus, a single aim, especially when the goal is related to our walk with God. What is it that you desire God to do in your life? Are you willing to seek His help as passionately as Bartimaeus did?
Once Jesus called for him, Bartimaeus threw his cloak aside, jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. This single detail in the story speaks volumes. Bartimaeus set aside his cloak. He was not going to hold on to anything that would slow him down. This was his time, his chance to finally receive the healing he so desperately wanted. He had an opportunity to stand before Jesus and ask for his vision, and he jumped at it! What are you holding on to today that gets in the way of receiving all that Jesus has for you? Are you willing to set everything else aside and passionately pursue God?
The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Jesus touched Bartimaeus and changed his life forever. He will do the same thing for you if you will seek Him with the same tenacity we see in this blind man.