| |
Bartimaeus called Jesus the “son of David” which was a prophetic title. It revealed a spiritual depth of both trust and faith. He believed in the sovereign power of the Messiah. What’s interesting about this is that this blind man saw Jesus more clearly than those with sight. Truly, it was his heart and not his eyes which were leading him. Often what comes from our mouth reveals what’s in our heart. This is many times the first step for us in working out our Salvation. It is a verbal confession.
But this man also wanted nothing to stop his ability to physically get to Christ. Bartimaeus was that desperate for Jesus. In a second act of faith and trust, he leaves his cloak behind. Archeological research states that if you were blind, you were given a specific coat or garment to wear so you stood out. This made it easier for others to avoid you, however, you were also marked as an outsider. This may have been the case with Bartimaeus.
Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus.
Mark 10:50 NASB
Again, why would this man leave his cloak which had identified him for his entire life if he did not expect a favorable outcome? Truly, Bartimaeus expected to be healed. He believed it with all his heart. This is naturally the second step of working out our Salvation. We are called to leave the old behind and fully trust that when we come to Jesus that He will make us new!
“Bartimaeus’s amazing perception did not stop there. After his vision was restored, his penchant for asserting himself suggests several diverse possibilities. He might have gone on to ask for a small amount of money so that he could get properly situated in his new life. He might have asked for a set of new clothes, a gift that would have removed the stigma of being a beggar. Or having successfully publicized Jesus’ identity, he might have applied for a position as the herald of the son of David. Bartimaeus did none of these things. Instead, when Jesus gave him the freedom to go his own way, he followed Jesus on the road to Jerusalem.”
IPV New Testament Commentary
Some of us are really good at calling to Jesus from the side of the road. But, when He calls you to His side, what is your response? Do you leave your cloak behind fully expecting to be changed? Do you leave behind everything from your former life?