46 And they came to Jericho; and as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimae’us, a blind beggar, the son of Timae’us, was sitting by the roadside.
Cry for Mercy
47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Rebuked by Many
48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
The Call
49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; rise, he is calling you.”
50 And throwing off his mantle he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Request
And the blind man said to him, “Master, let me receive my sight.”
52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.”
He Followed Jesus
And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
B EXPLANATION
Introduction
In the division of Mark’s Gospel, the first section is Mk. 1: 14 — 8: 26 concluding with the gradual healing of a blind man at Bethsaida (Mk. 8: 22–26). The section reveals the growing opposition to Jesus by the religious leaders, rejection by the people and the blindness of his disciples. Nevertheless faith in Jesus is improving.
Then comes Peter’s profession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah (the Christ, the Anointed) (Mk. 8: 27–30) which opens the second section (Mk. 8: 27 — 10: 52) describing Jesus on his way to Jerusalem giving three predictions of his passion (Mk. 8: 31; 9: 31; 10: 32–34), the re–action of the Twelve (Mk. 8: 33; 9: 33–37; 10: 35–40) and Jesus’ teaching on discipleship (Mk. 8: 34–38; 9: 41– 10: 31; 41–45) . The section ends with the healing of a blind man at Jericho, the final stop before Jerusalem (Mk. 10: 46–52). The man follows Jesus on his way, a symbol that discipleship is increasing. We know from elsewhere that it is only after the resurrection that this weak faith will become strong.
46 And they came to Jericho; and as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimae’us, a blind beggar, the son of Timae’us, was sitting by the roadside.
“And they came to Jericho” — This was a city in Judea about 15 miles or 25 km north east of Jerusalem. It was the last town on the way to Jerusalem.
“and as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimae’us, a blind beggar, the son of Timae’us, was sitting by the roadside” — The road between the two cities was notorious for robbers and pilgrims travelled together for safety. Not all those travelling in the same convoy with Jesus would have been disciples. They would have been a large number of pilgrims going to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover and so are called “a great multitude”.
47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
“And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” — This is the only instance in Mark’s Gospel where someone calls Jesus by his name, not title.
“Son of David” is a title which indicates that Jesus is the promised Messiah (Greek: Christ; English: The Anointed) who is to come from God to redeem the world. Bartimaeus’ faith was such that he did not ask for money but for God’s mercy which would heal him.
48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; rise, he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his mantle he sprang up and came to Jesus.
And many rebuked him telling him to be silent” — We are not told who the “many” who rebuked Bartimaeus were. Most likely they were Jesus’ disciples. They had the idea that Jesus should not be disturbed (Mk. 10: 13). The “multitude” travelling to Jerusalem for the feast were not necessarily disciples, indeed most likely they were not. It is doubtful that they would have paid any attention to the cries of a blind beggar.
“but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” — Bartimaeus’ faith was so strong that he would not allow himself to be silenced or intimidated by even the friends of Jesus.
When demons (Mk. 3: 12) and Peter (8: 30) declared Jesus to be the Messiah, he instructed them to be silent. Now he allows Bartimaeus to use the title, “Son of David”, indeed he consents to his using it with increasing volume and frequency. By this Jesus indicates that he endorses the title to confirm that he is going to Jerusalem and what awaits him as the promised Messiah.
“And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him” — Jesus instructs most likely his disciples to call the blind beggar.
“And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; rise, he is calling you.” — When Jesus “calls” a person it is an invitation to faith and discipleship. We all have to “rise” from where Jesus finds us and go to him.
“And throwing off his mantle he sprang up and came to Jesus” — The “mantle” which the blind man threw off is described as his outer garment which he would have spread on the ground to receive money that would be thrown to support him. He showed his faith in Jesus’ compassion by casting aside this garment which he would not need again.
51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Master, let me receive my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?And the blind man said to him, “Master, let me receive my sight’” — Jesus knew what the blind man wanted but he wished to allow him express his need. Jesus knows what people want before they pray yet he allows them to express their need.
This is the same question Jesus asked James and John in v. 36. In the replies of both there is a contrast, Bartimaeus was humble and sought the minimum; they were ambitious and sought the top positions.
Jesus questioned those requesting healing to test their faith, without which a miracle would not be forthcoming (Mk. 2: 5–11; 5: 30–34; 7: 27–29; 9: 21–24).
“Master” — The Greek has “my master” (“Rabbuni”) which is rare but it is the word by which Mary Magdalene addressed Jesus when she met him in the garden after the resurrection (Jn. 20: 16).
“And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” — Jesus praises the man whose faith has saved him, the same word as “has made you well”.
“And immediately he received his sight” — He asked for sight and received both sight and salvation. To work this miracle Jesus does not touch him or even use a word. For a second time he endorses that he is the “Son of David”, the Messiah.
The Old Testament stated that when the Messiah came he would open the eyes of the blind (Is. 29: 18; 42: 1, 7). This confirms the acknowledgement that Jesus is going to Jerusalem as Messiah.
“and followed him on the way” — “The way” is that of discipleship. Bartimaeus had been told to go off on his own “way” but he chose to follow “the way” of Jesus to Calvary. “Follow” is a technical term for being a disciple (Mk. 1: 18).
Mk. 10: 32 describes the Twelve following Jesus on the road or “the way” to Jerusalem. In this present and final verse of the section, Bartimaeus becomes a disciple and follows Jesus on “the way”. This may be regarded as an ‘inclusion’, a method used by Mark and other contemporary writers to highlight that what is written between the beginning and end is an explanatory unit. During the journey Jesus gave three predictions of his passion, death and resurrection. The Twelve failed to understand. In v. 32 they were on “the way” in fear; here Bartimaeus has no dread but is willing to walk with Jesus even to crucifixion. His faith was stronger than that of the apostles because it had no personal self–interested strings.
C APPLICATION
1. This passage is about discipleship, yet the central character is not Bartimaeus but Jesus. Fundamentally discipleship is not about those who have faith and follow but about Jesus and who he is. One cannot be a disciple unless there is someone greater and worth following.
In this episode Mark shows us Jesus as “Son of David”, the Messiah, God’s agent of compassion which is the highest form and expression of love. Note the emphasis on this title: “he began to cry out [he repeated the cry, which was really a prayer] and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more [he allowed no one to stop his insistent request], “Son of David, have mercy on me!” He repeated and would not stop calling Jesus by the Messianic title “Son of David”.
Bartimaeus is the first to use this title. It is associated with the “Suffering Servant” described in the four special canticles in the prophet Isaiah. Jesus is on threshold of Jerusalem, rejection, passion and death but is eager to get there and fulfil his Father’s will. The title is most appropriate in the present context as this is the last episode in Mark’s Gospel before the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (Mk. 11: 1–10) where Jesus will fulfil the prophecies of Isaiah as Messiah.
2. The blind beggar is the model for all believers. He is contrasted with the attitude of the disciples in chapters 8 to 10. The apostles had been called and followed but retained their preconceived ideas and ambitions. They had not converted, changed. In a sense they were not really disciples and at first danger, the arrest, they fled. Jesus’ three predictions of his passion had not even touched them. They had not fully listened to his words nor believed in them. They continued to expect material reward for their following. They could use the terms of religion but give material meaning to them.
On the other hand, in contrast, nothing could prevent Bartimaeus’ enthusiastic concentration on Jesus. He discarded everything, no matter now important and even essential, that might distance him from being in the presence of and following Jesus. He realised that what Jesus would give to him would be much more important. He modestly begged for the gift of sight; he was given the gift of salvation.
3. There are five elements in discipleship as portrayed in this gospel passage.
(i) Bartimaeus recognises Jesus and his incipient faith tells him that he is the “Son of David”, the long–awaited Messiah. It is unlikely that he had been in Jesus’ presence before but he certainly must have heard about Jesus, his miracles and perhaps his words. He heard and he accepted.
(ii) Believing Jesus to be the Messiah sent by God, he had no hesitation in calling out to him in prayer, “have mercy on me”.
(iii) Jesus heard his prayer and called him. He did not call him face to face because the crowd was pressing around. He asked his apostles to call the blind man. Down through the centuries Jesus continues to call people to him through others such as you and me.
(iv) Bartimaeus responded immediately and with zeal to Jesus’ call, “he sprang up … and came to Jesus”.
(v) By asking Jesus for sight he asked for faith. Fundamentally faith is a commitment to Jesus that means becoming a disciple, a follower on the way to Jerusalem, to rejection, suffering and death when necessary. It is a total commitment. The passage ends by stating that Bartimaeus followed “on the way”.
4. One of the most ancient and renowned prayers is based on the words of Bartimaeus and called “The Jesus Prayer” — “Lord, Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”.
Commentary on the 30th Sunday of the year (B) 25th October 2015
A TEXT
Setting
46 And they came to Jericho; and as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimae’us, a blind beggar, the son of Timae’us, was sitting by the roadside.
Cry for Mercy
47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Rebuked by Many
48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
The Call
49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; rise, he is calling you.”
50 And throwing off his mantle he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Request
And the blind man said to him, “Master, let me receive my sight.”
52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.”
He Followed Jesus
And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
B EXPLANATION
Introduction
In the division of Mark’s Gospel, the first section is Mk. 1: 14 — 8: 26 concluding with the gradual healing of a blind man at Bethsaida (Mk. 8: 22–26). The section reveals the growing opposition to Jesus by the religious leaders, rejection by the people and the blindness of his disciples. Nevertheless faith in Jesus is improving.
Then comes Peter’s profession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah (the Christ, the Anointed) (Mk. 8: 27–30) which opens the second section (Mk. 8: 27 — 10: 52) describing Jesus on his way to Jerusalem giving three predictions of his passion (Mk. 8: 31; 9: 31; 10: 32–34), the re–action of the Twelve (Mk. 8: 33; 9: 33–37; 10: 35–40) and Jesus’ teaching on discipleship (Mk. 8: 34–38; 9: 41– 10: 31; 41–45) . The section ends with the healing of a blind man at Jericho, the final stop before Jerusalem (Mk. 10: 46–52). The man follows Jesus on his way, a symbol that discipleship is increasing. We know from elsewhere that it is only after the resurrection that this weak faith will become strong.
46 And they came to Jericho; and as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimae’us, a blind beggar, the son of Timae’us, was sitting by the roadside.
“And they came to Jericho” — This was a city in Judea about 15 miles or 25 km north east of Jerusalem. It was the last town on the way to Jerusalem.
“and as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimae’us, a blind beggar, the son of Timae’us, was sitting by the roadside” — The road between the two cities was notorious for robbers and pilgrims travelled together for safety. Not all those travelling in the same convoy with Jesus would have been disciples. They would have been a large number of pilgrims going to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover and so are called “a great multitude”.
47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
“And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” — This is the only instance in Mark’s Gospel where someone calls Jesus by his name, not title.
“Son of David” is a title which indicates that Jesus is the promised Messiah (Greek: Christ; English: The Anointed) who is to come from God to redeem the world. Bartimaeus’ faith was such that he did not ask for money but for God’s mercy which would heal him.
48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; rise, he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his mantle he sprang up and came to Jesus.
And many rebuked him telling him to be silent” — We are not told who the “many” who rebuked Bartimaeus were. Most likely they were Jesus’ disciples. They had the idea that Jesus should not be disturbed (Mk. 10: 13). The “multitude” travelling to Jerusalem for the feast were not necessarily disciples, indeed most likely they were not. It is doubtful that they would have paid any attention to the cries of a blind beggar.
“but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” — Bartimaeus’ faith was so strong that he would not allow himself to be silenced or intimidated by even the friends of Jesus.
When demons (Mk. 3: 12) and Peter (8: 30) declared Jesus to be the Messiah, he instructed them to be silent. Now he allows Bartimaeus to use the title, “Son of David”, indeed he consents to his using it with increasing volume and frequency. By this Jesus indicates that he endorses the title to confirm that he is going to Jerusalem and what awaits him as the promised Messiah.
“And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him” — Jesus instructs most likely his disciples to call the blind beggar.
“And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; rise, he is calling you.” — When Jesus “calls” a person it is an invitation to faith and discipleship. We all have to “rise” from where Jesus finds us and go to him.
“And throwing off his mantle he sprang up and came to Jesus” — The “mantle” which the blind man threw off is described as his outer garment which he would have spread on the ground to receive money that would be thrown to support him. He showed his faith in Jesus’ compassion by casting aside this garment which he would not need again.
51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Master, let me receive my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you? And the blind man said to him, “Master, let me receive my sight’” — Jesus knew what the blind man wanted but he wished to allow him express his need. Jesus knows what people want before they pray yet he allows them to express their need.
This is the same question Jesus asked James and John in v. 36. In the replies of both there is a contrast, Bartimaeus was humble and sought the minimum; they were ambitious and sought the top positions.
Jesus questioned those requesting healing to test their faith, without which a miracle would not be forthcoming (Mk. 2: 5–11; 5: 30–34; 7: 27–29; 9: 21–24).
“Master” — The Greek has “my master” (“Rabbuni”) which is rare but it is the word by which Mary Magdalene addressed Jesus when she met him in the garden after the resurrection (Jn. 20: 16).
“And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” — Jesus praises the man whose faith has saved him, the same word as “has made you well”.
“And immediately he received his sight” — He asked for sight and received both sight and salvation. To work this miracle Jesus does not touch him or even use a word. For a second time he endorses that he is the “Son of David”, the Messiah.
The Old Testament stated that when the Messiah came he would open the eyes of the blind (Is. 29: 18; 42: 1, 7). This confirms the acknowledgement that Jesus is going to Jerusalem as Messiah.
“and followed him on the way” — “The way” is that of discipleship. Bartimaeus had been told to go off on his own “way” but he chose to follow “the way” of Jesus to Calvary. “Follow” is a technical term for being a disciple (Mk. 1: 18).
Mk. 10: 32 describes the Twelve following Jesus on the road or “the way” to Jerusalem. In this present and final verse of the section, Bartimaeus becomes a disciple and follows Jesus on “the way”. This may be regarded as an ‘inclusion’, a method used by Mark and other contemporary writers to highlight that what is written between the beginning and end is an explanatory unit. During the journey Jesus gave three predictions of his passion, death and resurrection. The Twelve failed to understand. In v. 32 they were on “the way” in fear; here Bartimaeus has no dread but is willing to walk with Jesus even to crucifixion. His faith was stronger than that of the apostles because it had no personal self–interested strings.
C APPLICATION
1. This passage is about discipleship, yet the central character is not Bartimaeus but Jesus. Fundamentally discipleship is not about those who have faith and follow but about Jesus and who he is. One cannot be a disciple unless there is someone greater and worth following.
In this episode Mark shows us Jesus as “Son of David”, the Messiah, God’s agent of compassion which is the highest form and expression of love. Note the emphasis on this title: “he began to cry out [he repeated the cry, which was really a prayer] and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more [he allowed no one to stop his insistent request], “Son of David, have mercy on me!” He repeated and would not stop calling Jesus by the Messianic title “Son of David”.
Bartimaeus is the first to use this title. It is associated with the “Suffering Servant” described in the four special canticles in the prophet Isaiah. Jesus is on threshold of Jerusalem, rejection, passion and death but is eager to get there and fulfil his Father’s will. The title is most appropriate in the present context as this is the last episode in Mark’s Gospel before the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (Mk. 11: 1–10) where Jesus will fulfil the prophecies of Isaiah as Messiah.
2. The blind beggar is the model for all believers. He is contrasted with the attitude of the disciples in chapters 8 to 10. The apostles had been called and followed but retained their preconceived ideas and ambitions. They had not converted, changed. In a sense they were not really disciples and at first danger, the arrest, they fled. Jesus’ three predictions of his passion had not even touched them. They had not fully listened to his words nor believed in them. They continued to expect material reward for their following. They could use the terms of religion but give material meaning to them.
On the other hand, in contrast, nothing could prevent Bartimaeus’ enthusiastic concentration on Jesus. He discarded everything, no matter now important and even essential, that might distance him from being in the presence of and following Jesus. He realised that what Jesus would give to him would be much more important. He modestly begged for the gift of sight; he was given the gift of salvation.
3. There are five elements in discipleship as portrayed in this gospel passage.
(i) Bartimaeus recognises Jesus and his incipient faith tells him that he is the “Son of David”, the long–awaited Messiah. It is unlikely that he had been in Jesus’ presence before but he certainly must have heard about Jesus, his miracles and perhaps his words. He heard and he accepted.
(ii) Believing Jesus to be the Messiah sent by God, he had no hesitation in calling out to him in prayer, “have mercy on me”.
(iii) Jesus heard his prayer and called him. He did not call him face to face because the crowd was pressing around. He asked his apostles to call the blind man. Down through the centuries Jesus continues to call people to him through others such as you and me.
(iv) Bartimaeus responded immediately and with zeal to Jesus’ call, “he sprang up … and came to Jesus”.
(v) By asking Jesus for sight he asked for faith. Fundamentally faith is a commitment to Jesus that means becoming a disciple, a follower on the way to Jerusalem, to rejection, suffering and death when necessary. It is a total commitment. The passage ends by stating that Bartimaeus followed “on the way”.
4. One of the most ancient and renowned prayers is based on the words of Bartimaeus and called “The Jesus Prayer” — “Lord, Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”.