It’s Thursday, and a great time for daily devotion. Some people have conditions that render them unable to live a normal life. Although none of us are unlimited, many face limitations that push them out of society’s inner circles. In today’s daily devotion, when others say no, Jesus says yes.
Blind Bartimaeus
In Mark 10:46, as Jesus and His disciples depart from Jericho, a large crowd follows them. Because of His fame, they all want to be near this Miracle Worker. On the highway side is a blind man named Bartimaeus, who isn’t gainfully employed, so he begs for a living. He goes where the crowds are to receive alms. Thus, he’s there sitting. In your daily devotion, you may feel limited and insignificant, but rest assured, Jesus knows who you are.
Jesus is Here
As Bartimaeus sits there, he hears that Jesus is passing by. No doubt, he can hear the crowd getting louder and closer. Bartimaeus has heard of Jesus healing the sick and performing miracles. He feels hope. Being blind has been a hardship, but from what he’s heard about Jesus, this is his chance to break free. So he decides to act. Verse 47 says that “he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.” In your daily devotion, determine that you’ll let no one deter you from calling on Jesus.
Crying Out for Jesus
Seizing the opportunity, Bartimaeus shouts His name loudly and calls Jesus by His messianic title. He pleads for mercy as he makes his voice heard over the crowd. As he yells, many try to silence him, telling him to hold his peace. But Bartimaeus doesn’t listen to them. After all, they’re not the ones who are blind; he is. In this daily devotion, don’t let people who don’t know your struggle or haven’t walked in your shoes keep you from the freedom you seek.
Be of Good Comfort
Then something unexpected happens. Verse 49 says, “And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called.” Jesus hears Bartimaeus’s cry. It’s a mix of desire and desperation. It’s expectancy and hope. Those who were trying to quiet Bartimaeus are now encouraging him, saying, “Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.” In today’s daily devotion, say out loud, “My faith is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ!”
Release Your Faith
Bartimaeus is thrilled to be called by Jesus. He probably heard about Jesus healing a man’s son from an evil spirit, the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter, the leper, and many others. He moves hastily. Verse 50 says, “And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.” He doesn’t waste a moment.
Jesus asks him a question that may seem obvious. He asks Bartimaeus to tell Him what he wants from Him. Jesus knows Bartimaeus is blind, but He wants him to release his faith. Bartimaeus’s response is simple and direct: “Lord, that I might receive my sight.” In your daily devotion, when it comes to faith, be specific in what you’re believing for.
Let Faith Soar
In Thursday’s daily devotion, the chapter ends with Jesus telling Bartimaeus, “Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.” As Bartimaeus’s faith soared, his whole world changed. His vision became clear. He was made whole, or completely sound. In your daily devotion, declare that nothing is impossible when the Miracle Worker is near.
Disclaimer: This article contains a summary of Mark as well as interpretive insights from the author. Interpretations of biblical texts can differ, and this piece represents one approach to understanding the passage.
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