This story of Bartimaeus was my first invitation to encounter Jesus in the scripture in a honest, open and relational way through prayer. Although I had been asking God for help for many years, this was the first time I heard Jesus invite me to ask for help by naming what I wanted from him. Likely there were some ready answers inside of me about what I “should” want from him. Yet it was the beginning of my relating to Jesus in a more interactive, conversational way. A way, not prescribed by the pastor or bible study leader or writer. I was not led by leading questions. Rather I was invited to search my soul for my needs and wants. I began to truly listen to them and in the process learned that Jesus was very interested in my process of discovery.
May there be freedom and grace for you to enter freely into this conversation with Jesus. Maybe today you find yourself in Bartimaeus. Or maybe you are a bystander, a witness to this intimate, healing encounter. God meets us in our place of witness too.
Mark 10:46-52 NIV
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.
For Reflection and Prayer:
What did you hear as you listened to the text? Did a word or phrase stand out in particular? Repeat it to yourself, savoring the word(s).
Meditate on this word, phrase or picture. Notice what speaks to your heart. Tend to that.
Have a conversation with God about what you are noticing. You might journal your thoughts and feelings and how you sense God responding to you.
Savor any consoling words or pictures God gives you. Simply rest in God’s presence.
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