Mark 10:46-52

Find a way to separate yourself from whatever’s going on around you so you can fully enter into today’s passage. if you haven’t read the introduction to Mark’s Gospel, read it here.

Before you read today’s passage, look back over yesterday’s story about the request of James and John and Jesus’ teaching in response.

Now read Mark 10:46-52 with that story in mind.

In their desire to be singled out and special, James and John approached Jesus and asked for a favor, but in this story, Jesus asks the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, what he want Jesus to do for him. The contrast is striking and further illustrates Jesus’ teaching about the upside-down nature of the Kingdom of God where the first will be last and the last, first.

Bartimaeus doesn’t ask for a favor, he knows that he has no status, and he knows he does not deserve anything from Jesus. So he cries out for mercy. But Jesus gives him more than mere mercy in response.

Read Mark 10:46-52 again imagining that you are Bartimaeus.

Why do you think Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus for mercy instead of healing?

Mercy is receiving that which we do not deserve. Bartimaeus was willing to risk embarrassment and loss of personal property (his coat may have been his only possession) to beg for Jesus’ attention and mercy. Do you recognize your desperate need for mercy? What about your need for Jesus’ attention?

Imagine lying at the feet of Jesus having been singled out and called over. Imagine Jesus asking you, “What is it you want me to do for you?” How would you answer?

Take a moment to talk this over with Jesus. Take note of anything the Holy Spirit might be prompting you to do in response to this story and your time with Jesus today. Then make a plan for remembering and acting on the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Are you finding these meditations to be helpful? If so, please forward them to a couple of friends. Interested in going deeper? Check out The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide and blog.