ISSL Reflections September 19 2021 Mark 10:46–52 Post 2

VI.
As you are reading the passage again pay attention to Bartimaeus. Notice not only what he says but how you think he might be saying it and pay attention to all that he does.

VII.
Mark 10:46-52

They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

VIII.
As we first encounter Bartimaeus do you think he was thinking this day might be a day for praise?

Then we hear him shouting at Jesus. Even as the crowd tries to suppress his shouts, he will not stop and shouts louder.

He does get to come face to face with Jesus, and tell Jesus what he wants from him.

After his sight was restored we read he “followed him on the way.” We do not get to hear him say another word. We only get to see him following Jesus.

IX.
Where might praise be found in his encounter with Jesus?

In his shouts to Jesus for mercy? In his not speaking after he is healed? In his following Jesus?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *