Toss Your Cloak
“As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus, was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Mark 10:46-52 [NLT]
Jesus and his disciples met a blind beggar named Bartimaeus passing through Jericho. In biblical days, being blind was seen as a curse. The blind had no way to support themselves financially, so cloaks were given, giving them permission to beg. Beggars were defined as such by their cloak, which was their only source of income.
When Jesus came through town, the blind beggar twice called out to Jesus to have mercy on him. People tried to quiet him, but Bartimeaus had a yearning in his heart for something greater. He heard of the amazing miracles Jesus performed, and Bartimeaus believed what he heard.
When Jesus called back to the blind man, he threw his cloak (his way of life, his comfort zone, his source of income) aside and ran to Him. His faith was remarkable. He went to Jesus expecting a miracle.
“What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, ‘Rabbi, I want to see.’
‘Go,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.”
Bartimeaus boldly answered Jesus’ question with a pure and honest heart. “I want to see.” He was asking for something bigger than physical healing; more than sight. He was standing before GREAT, and he wanted to SEE. Jesus healed Bartimeaus instantly and told him to GO. Instead, Bartimeaus followed Jesus along the road.
We all have a cloak representing blindness in our lives, hindering us from living the GREAT life.
We want healing, whether physical, relational or financial. We want to see. We want the Best God has to offer.
We can look to a blind beggar for directions on how to do just that:
1. Throw off our cloak. Or get out of your comfort zone.
2. Run to Jesus.
3. Boldly answer His question, “What do you want me to do for you?”
4. Follow Him.
Papa, God, thank you! As we come to your throne, give us courage to toss our cloaks aside and run boldly to Your Son. Help us all to see not only with our eyes, but with our hearts.
Peace be with you.
Julia
