Today we are reading from Mark 10: 46-52:

46 They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” 50 So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” 52 Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

Today we see Jesus heal another blind man.  Heals Bartimaeus and His healing of a blind man is not something that is all that unusual, we see it many times throughout the Gospels. What is interesting about this passage is what Bartimaeus does.  

It was not uncommon then (or now) in the Holy Land to have those in need near the major entries into a town. Many give alms and give what they can.  So, having a man like Bartimaeus there would be common.  It would also be common to have people try to hush him or usher him away when someone important was coming through.  Someone important like Jesus. 

So many try to get him to be quiet as Jesus is coming.  What does Bartimaeus do?  He keeps shouting.  He does not let what others are saying or doing keep him from going after what would be His hope of healing, i.e. Jesus.  He will keep shouting until he gets help.  He will not give up. He shouted even more loudly.  

And what did Jesus do?  He helped.  He healed.  He restored.  

Jesus is the hero in this story, as He is in every story.  Let’s not mistake that. But, Bartimaeus had to keep shouting.  Bartimaeus had to keep reaching. Bartimaeus had to keep striving for Jesus. 

Today, keep shouting.  If you are broken and in need, shout for Jesus. 

If you are sick, should for Jesus. 

If you are lonely, should for Jesus. 

Keep shouting.  He hears you. Don’t give up, don’t give up on Him. Because He will never give up on you.  Keep shouting.  

If you’d like to get each day’s daily scripture reading sent to your phone along with this reading guide, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up!