When Bartimeus, the blind beggar heard that Jesus was passing that way, he cried out saying, “Jesus son of David, have mercy on me”. The people asked him to be quiet but he cried all the more. Jesus stopped and wanted to meet him. Throwing aside his cloak he ran to Jesus. Jesus asked him, ‘ what do you want me to do for you?” He replied that he wished to regain his sight. Jesus said, “Go, your faith has made you well”. He regained his sight and followed Jesus on the road.

In Bartimeus, we see perfect faith. He must have heard about Jesus and wanted to meet, Him. But his enthusiasm was apparently extinguished by the people around him. While four men carried the paralyzed man to Jesus, this group of men tried to discourage the blind man from approaching Jesus, who could deliver him from his miserable life. In spite of such discouragement, the blind man shouted and with a great confidence that he would not need the cloak any longer he ran to Jesus tossing his cloak aside. He was very certain that he would be cured by the master Healer and his faith was rewarded. His faith helped him to remain focused on Jesus. Jesus sees the faith of those who approach Him. He who saw the faith of the sick woman who touched His garment saw the faith of the blind man. He sees what lies in our heart before He sees what we do. The blind man’s faith stopped Jesus. Jesus stopped to reward the faith of Bartimeus just as He stopped under the sycamore tree to bring joy into the life of Zaccheus who thirsted to see Him.

While the people around Bartimeus were indifferent to his pain, Jesus listened to his heart cry. He appreciated the faith of Bartimeus. If we have faith, we will never be silenced by those around us and we can never be discouraged by what happens around us. When we remain focused on Jesus, no matter what we hear and see, we will be blessed.

The blind man who heard about Jesus and believed, was able to see Jesus. When we believe on Him and remain faithful, we will be lead into a deeper relationship with Him.

The blind man decided to follow Jesus after he received his sight. His enthusiasm to see Christ while he was blind is matched by his determination to follow Him after he regained his sight. He pursued Christ in adversity and prosperity. Such ardent devotion and great faith are two remarkable but essential factors which add flavor to a Christian life .Therefore without these factors, our claim to love Jesus is false and pretentious.

Dr. (Mrs.) Edriana Jeyasingh