The Bartimaeus Plan

His name was Bartimaeus. His occupation begging… his office…along the side of the road to Jerusalem. He could not hold a job. He was blind. He could not see but his hearing was keen. He knew the crowd passing by was excited about something.

Then they told him Jesus was coming.

 “As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.” Luke 18:35-43

What would you do in this situation?

He knew of the healing Jesus had done for others. Jesus could help him. Pay attention to what Bartimaeus did NOT ask. He wanted to see. But he cried out “Jesus! Have mercy on me!” He cried out even after they tried to silence him.

We need mercy.

We need forgiveness and favor we do not deserve. Cry out to Jesus…

Don’t stop even when they tell you to be silent.

Notice what Jesus asked?

“What do you want me to do for you?”

Bartimaeus asked for his sight. Jesus healed him body and soul…immediately he could see.

Jesus has not changed since that day on the road to Jerusalem. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. We can do what Bartimaeus did. Cry out to Jesus.

Jesus! Have mercy on me!

He sees us.

He hears us.

He knows the cry of our hearts.

He knows our every need…and what we will need and don’t know it.

He has all power.

It is not only blind men that Jesus heals. He can forgive our sins and make us whole. Bartimaeus was never the same.

Use the Bartimaeus plan-start by asking for mercy.

Jesus! Have mercy on us!