The disciples were blind to the principles of the kingdom of God. They did not see the glory of Jesus in his humility. However, the poor blind Bartimaeus in Jericho obtained an open-sighted heart through his faith in Jesus. Christ gave him the insight, which made him believe that Jesus is the Son of David, and the King promised by God three thousand years ago. He also testified that the kingdom of his Son will be endless, and that he would be seated with the Lord according to the revelation: “The Lord said to My Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’”
This blind believer saw more than those endowed with eyesight did, though they kept close to him. The poor man did not obey the disciples when they ordered him to be quiet and not to repeat that political statement: “Son of David”. But the more they scolded him and told him to be quiet that they might hear Jesus’ words, the more he cried out, knowing it was the opportunity of a lifetime, and it must not be allowed to slip away.
Jesus stood lingering on his way to Jerusalem toward this poor believer, because he distinguished the voice of a heart that longed for him. As such he hears the moaning of your heart if you actually long for the life of God. If you did not hear his calling because of the parasite of the world and the many thoughts dancing in your head, we suggest that you should pray to him faithfully, for he expects your prayer. He listens to the voice of your heart, understands you, and calls you personally. So, come to him, and hear his word, for he saves you completely.
When the blind man heard Jesus’ calling, he jumped up immediately, threw off his garment that it might not hinder him in coming to Christ, or retard his motion, and hurried to Jesus. He heard the voice of the Son of God, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Dear brother, if the Son of God asked you, “What do you want me to do for you?” what would you answer him? Think attentively before you give your answer which decides the way of your future, pray in your heart what the Lord wants you to ask of him, and then answer him with faith and humility.
The blind man asked that he might receive his sight. What would you ask of Christ: success in the exams, cure of a certain disease, money for future insurance, forgiveness of all your sins, or eternal life through the dwelling of the Holy Spirit in you?
Christ will hear you and answer your prayers, if you seek him with all your heart, and connect yourself to him willingly. The blind man in Jericho opened his heart to Christ, and accepted his love for him. He believed in the helping Savior, and received the fruit of his faith. The healing was not in response to his crying out and rushing at Jesus, but to his faith, which Jesus honored. This faith was demonstrated by his persistent eagerness, and by his recognition of Jesus as the divine King, who, in spite of his highness, would give of his time to the poor man who begged for help.
Bartemaeus’ faith was sincere, for when he had received his sight, he was not concerned about running to his family and relatives, but immediately followed Jesus. His eyes had seen the divine King in his kindness, and he took hold of him at once, and became qualified in his kingdom, in spite of persecutions, accusations, and insults.
What about you, dear reader? Did you receive your sight and recognize the person of Christ, or are you still blind in your earthly wishes?