Bartimaeus, the blind man, was healed by the Lord. He said, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” (Mark 10:52) The faith life of Bartimaeus teaches us about faith. It has five aspects.
Reach Jesus at all costs: When Bartimaeus learnt that the Lord Jesus was passing by. The name of Jesus generates faith in this hapless man, who spent all his waking time begging for help. The only lifetime opportunity was near. He should not miss it.
Cried out: Bartimaeus cried out unto the Lord. When others tried to silence him, he cried more in desperation. His faith taught him that God listens to the prayers of people and responds to their pleas. Though it was a public place, he was not ashamed to call to the Lord with a loud voice.
Son of David: Bartimaeus’ faith was not a blind faith, or ritual faith; it was a reasonable faith that was based on his understanding that Jesus was the Messiah, with the title as ‘Son of David.’ When the religious leaders neither had the perception nor understanding, this probably illiterate man had it.
Pleas for mercy: The Lord stopped and summoned Bartimaeus. He humbly pleaded for mercy from God. Only the love of God expressed through compassion has the power to heal and transform him. One of the attributes of God is: Rich in mercy. (Ephesians 2:4)
Rabboni: Most people addressed the Lord as ‘Rabbi,’ which means a respectable religious teacher. Only a few addressed him as Rabboni, meaning ‘my teacher.’ That expresses strong trust and love. Mary Magdalene also called the Risen Saviour as Rabboni. (John 20:16)
Knowing and asking right: Bartimaeus’ faith understood what he needed. He did not ask for a mansion, a wife, a piece of land or an income-generating project. For him, seeing or sight was the most important need. He desired to see the Messiah with his eyes and follow Him. He received not only sight, but also spiritual shalom, and became His disciple.
Do I have a faith that makes me whole?