Unperturbed and undaunted by those who try to silence him, he shouts even louder. He is full of determination. Despite his blindness, he recognises clearly who Jesus is: ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ His boldness, courage and persistence are rewarded, and he is called forward.
The encounter between blind Bartimaeus and the Light of the World is beautiful and simple: Bartimaeus wants his sight; Jesus sees his faith and heals him. Immediately he receives his sight and becomes a disciple. Bartimaeus is a model of faith. We can relate to this example when we too experience and acute or desperate need for help and grace. In this condition we too can be like this blind man – humble, eager to go to Jesus, tenacious and determined.
When the pressure is not so acute we can be less focused and clear about our needs for God’s grace and help. Why is this so often the case? What can we do to become more stable and mature in our faith? The answer to these questions lies in the example of Bartimaeus. He was humble, admitting he needed help and healing. In our independent, self-assertive society it can be hard to confess our need. Bartimaeus, however, was indifferent to how he appeared to others – he was determined to come into the presence of Jesus.
