It was the last time Jesus was to go through Jericho, for he was on His way to Jerusalem, and to Calvary. That night He would sleep at Bethany, with the cross but a week away. A long line of beggars was sitting just outside the city gate, no doubt, just as they have done for centuries.
“As He was coming near Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the road begging.” Luke 18:35
At the sound of the approaching crowd, they lift their voices in a wail. Bartimaeus is among them. He asks what the crowd is, for he cannot see, and someone stops for just a moment to tell him that it is Jesus of Nazareth passing by. This name wakes strange hope in Bartimaeus, which can only be accounted for by his knowing of Christ’s miracles done elsewhere.
Pouring out of a hungry heart there comes a cry, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” He was a beggar, but he did not ask for alms. His need was deeper. His need was greater. When he is told to be quiet, Bartimaeus only cries the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Now, there are three things we need to understand about Bartimaeus. First, he needed Christ. He could not see without Jesus. The world says, “To see is to believe,” but God’s way is to believe, and then you see.
Secondly, Bartimaeus knew he needed the Savior. The pleasures of the world have not satisfied him. Troubles have only crushed him, and he has an ache in his heart.
And finally, the only thing he could do was to step out into the darkness. Bartimaeus could not see, but he found the way to Jesus. He could only feel, and when he stepped out into the darkness, Jesus gave him sight. The man who has stepped out into seeming darkness found the light.
We all know those who need to step out into faith to find the light. If they will only let Him into their lives, He will be their strength in weakness, their friend in sorrow. God will be theirs in life and death and in eternity. He will be a friend who will be all the world to them.
Remember to tell them - won't you? - that Jesus of Nazareth still passes by.
Dear Lord, so often I am concerned about not being an offense, and thus I do not speak of Jesus. I humbly ask for boldness to simply point out to those in need that Jesus is still passing by, and He still meets needs. Please bring to me an opportunity to speak of Christ today. Amen.
from Classic Christianity, A Year of Timeless Devotions, Vol II, Oct. 20th
Blessings,
Cara & Patti
“As He was coming near Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the road begging.” Luke 18:35
At the sound of the approaching crowd, they lift their voices in a wail. Bartimaeus is among them. He asks what the crowd is, for he cannot see, and someone stops for just a moment to tell him that it is Jesus of Nazareth passing by. This name wakes strange hope in Bartimaeus, which can only be accounted for by his knowing of Christ’s miracles done elsewhere.
Pouring out of a hungry heart there comes a cry, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” He was a beggar, but he did not ask for alms. His need was deeper. His need was greater. When he is told to be quiet, Bartimaeus only cries the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Now, there are three things we need to understand about Bartimaeus. First, he needed Christ. He could not see without Jesus. The world says, “To see is to believe,” but God’s way is to believe, and then you see.
Secondly, Bartimaeus knew he needed the Savior. The pleasures of the world have not satisfied him. Troubles have only crushed him, and he has an ache in his heart.
And finally, the only thing he could do was to step out into the darkness. Bartimaeus could not see, but he found the way to Jesus. He could only feel, and when he stepped out into the darkness, Jesus gave him sight. The man who has stepped out into seeming darkness found the light.
We all know those who need to step out into faith to find the light. If they will only let Him into their lives, He will be their strength in weakness, their friend in sorrow. God will be theirs in life and death and in eternity. He will be a friend who will be all the world to them.
Remember to tell them - won't you? - that Jesus of Nazareth still passes by.
Dear Lord, so often I am concerned about not being an offense, and thus I do not speak of Jesus. I humbly ask for boldness to simply point out to those in need that Jesus is still passing by, and He still meets needs. Please bring to me an opportunity to speak of Christ today. Amen.
from Classic Christianity, A Year of Timeless Devotions, Vol II, Oct. 20th
Blessings,
Cara & Patti
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