Day 17

Bartimaeus



Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 146:1-10, Isaiah 42:1-8, Romans 4:3-5

BY Bailey Gillespie

When you’re an adult, the question “What do you want for Christmas?” gets a lot harder. The things that make it on your list usually become more humanitarian, like social justice in your city, the health of your family, revival in the Church, and sure, maybe even a substantial tax return. Like an expectant child on Christmas morning, you hope against hope that your desires will come to pass. But they’re more like prayers now, and as we all know, prayers aren’t the same as a shopping list for gifts.

When you read today’s story, did you ponder your own answer to Jesus’s question? At first glance, when Jesus asks the blind beggar Bartimaeus what he wants Jesus to do for him, it might seem like a trick question (Mark 10:51). Does Jesus really want to know our wants?

Though the first part of the phrase, “What do you want,” may seem to lend itself to opening a can of self-indulgent responses, it’s the second part, “me to do for you,” where Christ’s heart really lives. He really does want to know what we want. (And let’s be honest, He already knows anyway.) But when I read the rest of His question, I see Him using it as an opportunity for building a bridge toward relationship.

Bartimaeus didn’t accost Jesus with a list of things he wanted but rather cried out, “Have mercy on me, Son of David!” (Mark 10:48). Bartimaeus wanted what so many of us take for granted: to see with his eyes (v.51). Having one of his core faculties restored was the beggar’s biggest need, and this encounter was a chance for Jesus to display His heart of generosity and kindness for one of His children.

Prayer doesn’t work like a Christmas list, nor is it just a string of idealistic hopes. We can’t manipulate God into giving us what we want. But we do have the promise that He hears us, and the intimacy that is deepened during those moments of vulnerability when we express our felt needs to the Lord are worth everything.

Like Bartimaeus, let’s ask for Christ to show mercy to us—and not just us but in all the realms that we hope for. We are already in His hands, the best possible place to be. Let’s trust that, whatever He chooses to do, God knows what is best for us and will act accordingly and in His perfect time. May we be brave enough to answer the same question posed to Bartimaeus: What do you want Jesus to do for you?

Post Comments (39)

39 thoughts on "Bartimaeus"

  1. NanaK says:

    Bartimaeus believed—He believed JESUS would hear him calling out. He believed JESUS would heal his blindness, and he believed JESUS was the light he had longed for….so he followed JESUS.
    What do I want JESUS to do for me? “Remain faithful, execute justice, give food to the hungry, free prisoners, open blind eyes, raise up oppressed, protect, help…” and yes, “frustrate the ways of the wicked.” Ps. 146:5-9

    Waymaker, Miracle-worker, Promise-keeper, Light in the darkness, that is who YOU are, that is who YOU are!
    I believe!!!
    “The LORD reigns forever…Hallelujah!!!”

  2. Cara Bruinius says:

    So, first post here. Hi! Newbie❤️. Do you all listen to the podcast too? That was so good to start this week. Especially their comments on Bartimeus. The crowd- may we be like the crowd (2nd time) and encourage people towards Christ. And this is my thought, the faith of B made him well. It was simple and it was stated with no flowery or profound language. Jesus heard it.

  3. Rachiel says:

    What I have noticed about these stories is the amount of faith these people had. Or maybe it isn’t even the amount. I mean it says if you have the faith of a mustard seed, you can move mountains. Maybe it’s just the fact that they had faith. They were so sure that God could save them or someone they loved. Do I have that kind of faith? Do I believe that God can deliver me from the strife of life? Yes, I guess I do. I’ve seen Him do it with my depression. He has taken me from the pit and given me rest. I guess I’m just in awe of their faith. They are so sure that if he acknowledges them or they can touch the hem of his garment, they will be saved. How amazing is that? Could you imagine seeing Jesus in the flesh? But sometimes, it can be hard to put your faith in something you can’t see when the world around is actually tangible. But I can never forget what God has seen me through. The valleys we have gone through together where he picked me up and took care of me. He gave me proof without me even realizing it.

    Thank you to everyone who responded to me yesterday. I appreciated it, and will be looking up that book.

    Chruchmouse-I’m praying for your granddaughter.

    1. Laurie Crary says:

      Amazing testimony. Thank you for sharing.

    2. Christine Salinas says:

      Rachiel , I’m curious about the book you mentioned. I read your post, but didn’t ‘t see a response regarding a book. I often feel the way you do – how do I continue to serve after being really really hurt.

  4. Terri M. says:

    Praying for you, your family, and especially your Granddaughter.

  5. Linda J says:

    And amen…

  6. Churchmouse says:

    I want you, Jesus, to heal our granddaughter Julia through this procedure today. Amen.

    1. Mari V says:

      Agreeing in prayer for Jesus to heal Julia!

  7. Tina says:

    Praise the Lord ! Praise the Lord , my soul! I will praise him as long as I live; I will sing to my God all my life.
    Psalm 146:1‭-‬2

    Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.

    Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.

    Thank you, Jesus, that you hear the prayers of each and every person here on earth, whether we are lowly, frightened, in need, black, white, sad, confused, lost, grieving, looking, searching, lost hope … the list may go on…

    But God..

    But God…

    He hears.. He sees… He knows, and He asks..
    ‘What do you want me to do…. for YOU?
    As one who serves, and I think my love language is service and giving, I am always floored and emotional when I am asked questions similar to this..
    What can we do to help?
    How can we best be used to ease your load?
    How can we love you?
    These are human questions, with a God led heart, and yet, I am moved by them…
    OMG. How much more when the Son of God should ask, ‘What do you want me to do for YOU?
    I know I am absolutely loved by God, and I know Matthew 7:7 too, I also know, I can trust Him..but there are days I struggle, not to let go, or not trust, but just struggle, and in those days a whisper of..’What can I do for YOU,’ in the form of a scripture, a friends hug, or call, the prayers of others, is such, such a blessing.. ‘the sight’ restored, the heart renewed, purpose on track, and ‘It is well, it is well with my soul’

    Thank you Lord jesus, that you care, that you hear and that you know what we need even before we have asked. Thank you that we mean everything to you, to the point of giving your life in place of ours, Thank you Jesus for loving us, as we are, Thank you Jesus, for asking..’What do you want me to do for you…’

    Thank you.

    Amen

    Praise the Lord ! Praise the Lord , my soul! I will praise him as long as I live; I will sing to my God all my life.
    Psalm 146:1‭-‬2

    Happy Wednesday Dearest ones, Be blessed and praying the Lord turn His face to shine on you and yours..❤

    1. Christina Marie says:

      Amen!

    2. Maricella Smith says:

      AMEN! Thank you Tina for your petition

  8. Kristen says:

    Thank You for hearing prayers. I often rush through prayers. I heard Dr. Charles Stanley talk about getting on your knees before God. Yes, you can pray standing, or however. But, I do think that it is good to bow before Him in prayer and spend time there.

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