“when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David (Messiah)!””
Introduction
The account of the healing of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, as recorded in Luke 18:35-43, is a powerful testimony of faith, persistence, and the transformative power of calling upon the name of Jesus. This passage highlights the necessity of faith in action, where Bartimaeus, despite his blindness and the discouragement from the crowd, persistently called out to Jesus for mercy. This narrative not only demonstrates Jesus’ compassion and power to heal but also serves as a profound lesson for today’s believers on the importance of actively seeking Jesus and the blessings that come from unwavering faith.
Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!
Luke 18:35-43 (AMP): "As He was approaching Jericho, it happened that a blind man was sitting beside the road begging. Now when he heard a crowd going by, he began to ask what this was [about]. They told him, 'Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.' So he shouted out, saying, 'Jesus, Son of David (Messiah), have mercy on me!' Those who were leading the way were sternly telling him to keep quiet; but he screamed all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!' Then Jesus stopped and ordered that the blind man be led to Him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, 'What do you want Me to do for you?' He said, 'Lord, let me regain my sight!' Jesus said to him, 'Regain your sight; your [personal trust and confident] faith [in Me] has made you well.' Immediately he regained his sight and began following Jesus, glorifying and praising and honoring God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God."
Context of Luke 18:35-43
The healing of Bartimaeus is a significant event in the ministry of Jesus, as it occurred during His final journey to Jerusalem, where He would eventually be crucified. This passage is not just a story of physical healing but is rich with spiritual implications. Bartimaeus, who was blind and marginalized, represents those who are spiritually blind and in need of the light of Christ. His story illustrates the necessity of recognizing our need for Jesus and persistently calling upon Him despite opposition or discouragement from others. If Bartimaeus had not called on Jesus, he would still be blind. Jesus wants us to call Him in our times of need
Detailed Exploration of Luke 18:35-43
Bartimaeus’ Recognition of His Need
Key Phrase: "As He was approaching Jericho, it happened that a blind man was sitting beside the road begging."
Bartimaeus, blind and dependent on the charity of others, was sitting by the roadside begging. His physical blindness symbolizes spiritual blindness, a state in which individuals are unable to see the truth of the gospel and are in desperate need of Jesus. Bartimaeus recognized his need for help, and also Jesus was the answer, which is the first step towards receiving healing and salvation.
Romans 3:23 (AMP): "For all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God."
Like Bartimaeus, every person must recognize their need for Jesus due to the sin that separates them from God. The awareness of our need leads us to seek Christ. To put in another way, we need to recognize our weakness, our depravity and our need for Jesus and all that He is!
Bartimaeus’ Persistent Faith
Key Phrase: "So he shouted out, saying, 'Jesus, Son of David (Messiah), have mercy on me!'"
When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by, he immediately recognized who Jesus was—calling Him the "Son of David," a messianic title. His shout was not just a call for help but a declaration of faith, acknowledging Jesus as the promised Messiah. Despite being told by the crowd to be quiet, Bartimaeus continued to cry out, showing his persistent faith and determination to reach Jesus.
Hebrews 11:6 (AMP): "But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him."
Bartimaeus’ persistence is an example of the kind of faith that pleases God—a faith that is not deterred by obstacles or opposition. His determination to call upon Jesus despite the crowd’s discouragement exemplifies the kind of relentless faith that believers today are called to have.
The Power of Calling on the Name of Jesus
Key Phrase: "Then Jesus stopped and ordered that the blind man be led to Him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, 'What do you want Me to do for you?'"
Bartimaeus’ persistent cries caught the attention of Jesus, who stopped and called for him to be brought near. This moment highlights the power of calling on the name of Jesus. When Bartimaeus called out to Jesus in faith, Jesus responded with compassion and a willingness to meet his need.
Romans 10:13 (AMP): "For 'whoever calls on the name of the Lord [in prayer] will be saved.'"
This verse underscores the significance of calling on the name of Jesus. Bartimaeus’ story illustrates that when we call upon Jesus with faith, He hears us, and He is ready to respond to our needs.
The Request and Healing
Key Phrase: "'Lord, let me regain my sight!'... 'Regain your sight; your [personal trust and confident] faith [in Me] has made you well.'"
When Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he wanted, Bartimaeus made a direct and specific request: he wanted to regain his sight. Jesus acknowledged Bartimaeus’ faith and granted his request, instantly restoring his sight. This healing was not just a physical restoration but also a spiritual one, as Bartimaeus' faith in Jesus led to his healing.
Philippians 4:6 (AMP): “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God”
James 5:15 (AMP): "And the prayer of faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
Bartimaeus’ healing demonstrates the power of faith in Jesus and the importance of making our requests known to God. It also shows that Jesus is not only concerned with our spiritual well-being but also with our physical needs.
The Response of Worship and Testimony
Key Phrase: "Immediately he regained his sight and began following Jesus, glorifying and praising and honoring God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God."
After receiving his sight, Bartimaeus’ immediate response was to follow Jesus, glorifying and praising God. His healing became a testimony that led others to praise God as well. This response highlights the transformative power of an encounter with Jesus and the importance of living a life of worship and testimony in response to His grace.
Psalm 107:2 (AMP): "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary."
Bartimaeus’ response serves as a model for all believers. When we experience the grace and power of Jesus in our lives, our natural response should be one of worship, praise, and a desire to follow Him. Additionally, our testimonies of what Jesus has done in our lives can lead others to faith and worship.
Relevance To Today’s Believers
For today’s believers, the story of Bartimaeus is rich with lessons about faith, persistence, and the power of calling on the name of Jesus. This passage teaches us several key principles:
Recognizing Our Need: Just as Bartimaeus recognized his need for Jesus, we must also acknowledge our own need for the Savior. Whether it is spiritual blindness, physical needs, or emotional pain, Jesus is the answer to our deepest needs.
Persistent Faith: Bartimaeus’ refusal to be silenced by the crowd teaches us the importance of persistent faith. In the face of obstacles or discouragement, we must continue to call out to Jesus, trusting that He will hear and respond.
The Power of Calling on Jesus: Bartimaeus’ healing demonstrates the power of calling on the name of Jesus. When we cry out to Jesus in faith, He responds with compassion and meets our needs. This passage encourages us to boldly approach Jesus with our requests, knowing that He is able and willing to help.
Faith in Action: Jesus acknowledged that Bartimaeus’ faith had made him well. This highlights the importance of putting our faith into action—believing that Jesus is who He says He is and that He will do what He has promised.
A Life of Worship and Testimony: After receiving his sight, Bartimaeus immediately followed Jesus and glorified God. This teaches us that our response to Jesus’ work in our lives should be one of worship, praise, and a commitment to follow Him. Our testimonies can also inspire others to seek and praise God.
Summary
The narrative of Bartimaeus in Luke 18:35-43 is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and the importance of calling on the name of Jesus. Bartimaeus, despite his blindness and the discouragement from those around him, recognized his need for Jesus and persistently called out to Him for mercy. His faith in Jesus as the Messiah led to his healing, both physically and spiritually. Jesus’ response to Bartimaeus’ cries highlights the power of calling on His name, demonstrating that Jesus hears and answers the prayers of those who seek Him in faith.
For today’s believers, this passage offers timeless lessons. It reminds us that we must recognize our own need for Jesus and be persistent in our faith, even in the face of obstacles. The story of Bartimaeus encourages us to boldly call on Jesus, trusting that He will respond with compassion and meet our needs. It also teaches us that faith must be put into action—believing that Jesus is able and willing to heal, restore, and save
Finally, the response of Bartimaeus—immediately following Jesus and glorifying God—serves as a model for how we should live in response to Jesus’ work in our lives. Our lives should be marked by worship, praise, and a commitment to follow Jesus. Additionally, our testimonies of what Jesus has done in our lives can lead others to faith and worship, just as Bartimaeus’ testimony led the people to praise God.
In summary, the story of Bartimaeus is not just a historical account of a miraculous healing but a living example of the power of faith and the importance of calling on the name of Jesus. It challenges and inspires believers to seek Jesus with persistence, to trust in His power to heal and save, and to live lives of worship and testimony in response to His grace.
If You Have Ears To Hear, Then Hear It!