October 19, 2021
Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 10, verse 46: As [Jesus] and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. (NRSV)
What stands out to me in this verse from the Gospel of Mark is all the detail. Not customary for this Gospel known for its brevity and immediacy, there is much here that sets the stage. First, Jesus is accompanied by his disciples and a crowd; and not just any crowd, a large crowd. Thus it seems important to know there are many people with Jesus as he leaves Jericho and heads toward Jerusalem. Next, we are told the name of the man they encounter - Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus. It is not often we know names, much less the reminder that “Bar” means son, thus Bartimaeus. Finally we learn Bartimaeus is a blind beggar.
It seems evident, because of all we learn in just this one verse, there will be new insights in this encounter between Jesus and Bartimaeus. As we read on, we are told Jesus stops the crowd and calls Bartimaeus to him, asking him specifically what he wants Jesus to do for him. Perhaps we could assume he would want his sight restored, yet Jesus gives Bartimaeus the opportunity and the honor, on his own, to make the request of his deepest desire.
What could this mean? I wonder if a part of it is to learn to give another the opportunity and honor to ask for what is most needed and desired in their life, instead of making assumptions. After all, we might be surprised by what they ask. We might also be surprised by how empowered they feel to be asked. All of which might be the point - we cannot know what someone else deeply desires, needs, or seeks from God.
Leave it to Jesus to teach us, yet again, how to care for another in new, honoring, and empowering ways.
Blessings. And prayers.
Oh, and I cannot miss the opportunity to post the latest school picture of Simon. You are growing so fast!
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