Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Mark 10:49-52

Passage

When Jesus heard Bartimaeus, He told the crowd to call him over.  The message got back to Bartimaeus and Bartimaeus was told to take heart.  Bartimaeus threw off of his cloak and jumped up to his feet to come and experience Jesus.  Jesus asked Bartimaeus what it was that He could do for him.  Bartimaeus said, “Teacher, allow me to see again.”  Jesus told Bartimaeus to go on his way.  His faith had made him well.  Bartimaeus does get up and begins to follow Jesus.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jesus calls upon Bartimaues.  His persistence pays off.  The crowd even recognizes what is happening.  They encourage Bartimaeus by telling him to take heart.  This man who has been healing people and doing miracles all over the land has taken a personal interest in Bartimaeus.  This is the way it is with all of us.  Jesus takes a personal interest in each of us.  How blessed we are!

How do you feel Jesus taking a personal interest in you?  How does it make you feel to realize that the savior of the world wants a personal relationship with you?

Second Thought:

Bartimaeus doesn’t lose any time.  When Jesus bids him to come, he springs up from his feet.  Remember, this is a blind man.  Blind people don’t usually spring to their feet because they are seldom ever completely sure of their surroundings.  Thus, for Bartimaeus to spring to his feet demonstrates an incredibly passionate response.

When Jesus calls, how do you respond?  Do you spring up and come to His side?

Third Thought:

There are no strings attached to Bartimaeus’ healing.  Jesus heals him and tells him to go on his way.  Bartimaeus could have easily left once he received his sight.  But he didn’t.  The Bible clearly tells us that he got up and followed Jesus along the way.  He is a good picture of what it means to be a disciple.  One receives a great gift and then drops everything in life to pursue the God who imparted that gift into your life.  Discipleship is first and foremost about submission and willingness to follow even when given the freedom to do your own thing.

Are you good at following?  Whom are you following?  What ideas or principles are you following?


Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 11:1-6

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