“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!” Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus.”
Mark 10:47-50 NKJV
I love the story of Blind Bartimaeus – there’s just something about him that draws me in. Perhaps it’s his grit or “moxie” that intrigues me. He was known by as “Blind” Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus. He was a beggar – completely dependent upon the generosity and kindness of others. And as he sat – begging, he began calling out loudly to Yeshua, not once, but twice, when he learned Yeshua was near.
But here’s what I’m stuck on today: Yeshua stopped, called for Him, and Bartimaeus immediately “threw aside his garment”, stood, went to Yeshua, and was healed immediately.
I find myself wondering about the significance of Bartimaeus throwing aside his cloak. Cloaks are symbolic with identity and status. Priests wore a specific cloak, as did wealthy men and beggars. You could easily identify someone – or at least the class of something – simply by what they wore. I do not think it’s coincidence that the first act Bartimaeus did when Yeshua called to him was to throw off the his beggar’s cloak. He wasn’t even healed yet! He was still blind when he stood – yet he tossed his garment aside. Was that the the act of faith Yeshua refers to in verse 52? I’ll never know this side of heaven – but I have to wonder at the order of things. Bartimaeus did not wait for the healing to be manifested before He cast off his identity as a blind beggar. In throwing the cloak aside, he was making a statement of sorts to those who witnessed his interaction with Yeshua that day. Dare I say that when Bartimaeus threw his cloak to the ground, he cast off his identity – his brokenness and shame. I’m probably over thinking this – it’s what I do – but my spirit is stirred up at the significance of the simple act of faith shown by today’s Bible hero – the bold Bartimaeus.
I want to have faith like that – faith that says I won’t be defined by my past mistakes. Faith that says I lay aside my brokenness that has identified me for so long and fully embrace what You have for me. I think I’m ready. Are you?
Father – I don’t know what this passage means for me but I want to have faith to cast off the things that have defined me for so long and embrace what You have. The truth is ugly – brokenness is sometimes easier and more comfortable to bear when faced with the unknown. But I want what You have for me. Help me to trust You. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Matthew 19, Mark 10
October 31, 2022