June 8, 2016

GREAT FAITH LEADS US TO GREATER RELIANCE

Mark 10:46–52

Ann Hsieh
Wednesday's Devo

June 8, 2016

Wednesday's Devo

June 8, 2016

Central Truth

Through our weaknesses, God uses our faith for His glory—that we may follow Him, serve Him, and point others to Him with our life's story.

Key Verse | Mark 10:49

And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” (Mark 10:49)

Mark 10:46–52

Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus

46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

Dive Deeper | Mark 10:46–52

I’ve had terrible eye problems since early childhood. In junior high, I remember being able to see only about seven inches in front of my face. I’ve worn glasses and contacts and have undergone retinal surgery. After two rounds of LASIK, I can finally see 20/20 (or close enough to it). Needless to say, I empathize with Bartimaeus! 

This blind man, whose life has been relegated to begging, hears of who is coming down the road. He addresses Jesus as “Son of David,” a title expressing that he clearly understands this is the Messiah, the Deliverer. Bartimaeus’ faith is so sure in what Jesus is capable of that when Jesus singles him out, Bartimaeus—in humility and without hesitation—leaps up. He does not allow his weakness to stand in his way. To be healed was his desire, and he knew and trusted the power of Jesus.

The important part of this story is not that Bartimaeus necessarily got what he wanted, but that his faith in Jesus brought about his healing. God’s power is available to us through the vehicle of faith. God's power transforms Bartimaeus. Through prayer and connecting daily with Jesus in the Word, we begin to know and trust our Savior. Like Bartimaeus, we can recognize His voice, even in the distracting clamor of the world. Just as Jesus pointedly asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” (verse 51), the almighty, all-knowing Christ wants to hear the desires of our heart. Jesus wants to dialogue with us, to know us intimately.  

So how does the story end? Did Bartimaeus go on his merry way, self-sufficient with his new vision? No, he “followed Him on the way” (verse 52). Bartimaeus faithfully and gratefully went with Christ! God wants to give us His best, but He also wants us to seek His glory and follow His call for our lives. He wants us to dialogue with Him, to know His character, to ask boldly of Him through faith, and to use the story He has written on our lives to be a walking witness for Him!

Discussion Questions

1. What characteristics of Christ are most challenging for you to trust and believe when times are hard?

2. How do we respond to Jesus when He answers our prayers? Do we thank Him and continue on our way? Or does it draw us closer to Him?

3. Are we willing to use our lives as a testament of Christ’s love, despite our current life situation?