Mark 10:46 (NET) They came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus the son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the road. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many scolded him to get him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man and said to him, “Have courage! Get up! He is calling you.” 50 He threw off his cloak, jumped up, and came to Jesus. 51 Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied, “Rabbi, let me see again.” 52 Jesus said to him, “Go, your faith has healed you.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the road.
Bartimaeus Didn’t Want to Miss His Chance
Jesus spent some time in Jericho. It is on the way to Jerusalem. On the way out of Jericho, Jesus, his disciples and a large crowd passed by Bartimaeus.
Bartimaeus likely knew Jesus was only passing through. His window of opportunity was short. Hearing the commotion of the crowd following Jesus, he thought to himself, “It’s now or never.” “If I miss this opportunity to regain my sight, there may never be another.” He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Some in the crowd scolded him, “Be quiet!” He ignored them and shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Jesus Responded
Jesus heard his shouts. He stopped and said to someone, “Call him.”
Jesus, ever the servant, had his ears tuned to hear those in need.
Most of us have our eyes and ears tuned to hear those who may help us advance. Jesus paid those voices little attention. He heard first those with the greatest need.
Dana Roseman's Thoughts on Scripture 