The Poor Blind Man Could See That Jesus Was the Messiah
Luke 8:38-39,18:25-42 Matthew 21:9 Isaiah 16:5 John 16:23-28
In St. Luke’s Gospel we read that as Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When the blind man heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. (Luke (18:31-42)
Beggars would often be found at the city gate where people are passing in and out. Here we find a blind man, who is identified in St. Mark’s gospel as Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus. He is probably used to calling out to those who pass by, begging for money.
Once Bartimaeus is told that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by, he begins to yell at the top of his lungs “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more,“Son of David, have mercy on me” He keeps on shouting. He won’t be quiet, even though the crowd continues to tell him to stop.
What motivates his persistent cry for healing? Perhaps his great faith in the Messiah. To call someone “Son of David” as a title is equivalent to calling someone, “Messiah,” for it signifies to the Jews a person who is the promised descendent of David who will sit upon the throne of Israel, as we are told in the book of Isaiah: “In mercy the throne will be established; And One will sit on it in truth, in the tabernacle of David, Judging and seeking justice and hastening righteousness.” (Isaiah 16:5)
It is interesting to note that a poor blind man could see that Jesus was the Messiah, while the rich religious leaders who saw His miracles were blinded to his identity, and refused to acknowledge Him as the Messiah. If you don’t count the phrase that appears in Jesus’ genealogy (Luke 3:31), this is the first time in Luke’s gospel that the term “Son of David” is used.
These words are also shouted by the crowds during the triumphal entry that follows Jesus’ healing of Bartimaeus by only a few days.” The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,’ Hosanna to the Son of David! “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’“(Matthew 21:9).
During most of his ministry, Jesus does not encourage others to refer to him as the Messiah, because the implications of this title would prevent him from being able to minister effectively (Matthew 16:16, 20). But now his hour is come. His objective is Jerusalem where he will be crucified, in large part for his unwillingness to renounce the title of “Christ” and “king of the Jews” (Luke 23:2-3,
Rev. Reid
35; Mark 14:61-62).
In Bartimaeus’s request for mercy he uses the same words of any other beggar. But this beggar’s address to Jesus is startling. When he asks the “Son of David” for mercy, he is expecting far more than money. And he has faith that the Son of David, the Messiah will grant his request.
“Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him,‘What do you want me to do for you? The Blind Man says: Lord, that I may receive my sight. It is fascinating that Jesus asks the man what he wants. You might think that it would be obvious what he wants, but why does Jesus ask the obvious?
In this case, I think Jesus is trying to get him to vocalize his faith, since Jesus responds to him, “receive your sight your faith has healed you”. What is so special about Bartimaeus’s faith? Once he hears that Jesus is there, he immediately begins to ask mercy of Jesus as the Messiah, exhibiting insight into Jesus’ true mission.
But he also has an unstoppable faith, a faith that won’t take no for an answer. The crowd tells him to be quiet, but he calls out all the louder. People are embarrassed as the local beggar gets louder when Jesus comes to town, but Bartimaeus doesn’t care. He has an intensity of desire that overcomes obstacles, rebuke, and embarrassment to achieve what he desires, Jesus is pleased by him.
Why does Jesus emphasize the blind man’s faith time after time? Notice that Jesus doesn’t emphasize or point to his own power; He gives glory to God and often times points to the faith of the person who is healed. This is to encourage our faith even more. He’s saying, “See what your faith in God is able to do”. Jesus is a bridge to the Father; He keeps encouraging our faith and pointing us to the Father. (John 16:23-28).
We as disciples can also serve as bridges for people. At first, they are often very dependent upon us. We shouldn’t be afraid of that, but should not seek it. Rather we need to see it as an early stage of faith. Our goal is to help transfer their faith in us, to faith in their Heavenly Father. Only when we have achieved this have, we succeeded, only then have we become like Jesus.
“Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.” The once-blind man now becomes a disciple and praises God.
We recall the demonized man of the Garasenes whom Jesus healed who begged to go with him, but Jesus told him: “return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him. (Luke 8:38-39)
Bartimaeus serves as tremendous encouragement to others. When newcomers ask about Jesus, the disciples could point to Bartimaeus and say, Jesus healed him of blindness. Full of praise, Bartimaeus then gives all glory to God, who made him whole. Our faith, even the size of a tiny mustard seed, can help us to overcome mountains and obstacles in our lives, and in doing so, giving all the glory to God! Amen.
The Most Rev. Dr. Rick Aaron Reid, Presiding Bishop Traditional Anglican Church of America Rector, St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Newton, North Carolina 28658