Watching Bartimaeus Beg

Mark 10:46-52Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus 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.As I read the story of Bartimaeus I am immediately intrigued by his determination to have an encounter with Jesus…and he doesn’t seem at all self-conscious about begging! I imagine the crowd walking by and he, hearing the commotion, crying out “What’s going on? Someone tell me what’s going on?” And, upon learning that Jesus was coming he yells for mercy! “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!” Can you picture it? Jesus is coming! Hope is passing by!Everyone tells him to “shut-up!” “Stop bothering Jesus!” “Be quiet!” “Go away!” Hope discouragers, people who don’t want Jesus bothered with a beggar. I love that despite the rebuke, Bartimaeus shouts all the more! I’m not sure why this both amuses and confronts me, but it does! This man’s desperation and heart to go after Jesus “all the louder” makes me glad for him, but also, sadly aware of my own reluctance to ask for the things I need.I love that Jesus hears the beggar’s cry and cares! He is not too busy or bothered to notice “hope” crying out for help! And, Bartimaeus is ready for his healing! He throws off his cloak and jumps up the minute he is told that Jesus is calling! “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asks. “I want to see.” And, Jesus gives sight to the blind man! I love Jesus!As I watch Bartimaeus beg, I realize that I am out of touch with the fact that I am the beggar. Or, at least, I feel aware that my condition is no less desperate. I need the love of Jesus! I need His healing touch! I am desperate for His notice and never, never, never want to take for granted that, without Him, I lose the most joyous, beautiful, and blessed thing in my life. Watching Bartimaeus beg humbles me and encourages me in my helplessness...he inspires me to shout all the louder for all the healing and life that is found in Jesus.“Jesus, I confess my pride and reluctance to know my blindness. Help me to cry out for the help I desperately need. Thank You that You call to me daily and ask me to tell You what I want You to do for me. Thank you that You always see me, always stop for me, and always meet me at my exact place of need. Amen.”What about you?Do you need Jesus today? Are you aware of what you need from Jesus?Are you able to ask for what you need? If not, what keeps you from asking?What is it you want Jesus to do for you?This is what Jesus was "saying" to me as I read this passage. What is He saying to you?