Through Bartemaeus' Eyes

Imagine this story through Bartemaeus’ eyes. What might he have been thinking? I can imagine it might be something like this:

Jesus? Is He coming this way? I’ve got to shout! I’ve got to get His attention! Why is the crowd trying to silence me? Why are you all telling me to be quiet? Why are you excluding me? He’s merciful. He will listen. He will heal me! I will shout! I will get His attention! “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! I trust your mercy. I know your mercy. Hear me shout!”

Why and how has the crowd stopped? Why is it so quiet? Did Jesus tell someone to call me? Am I to be “cheered up”? Is this the day? Should I get on my feet? Is He calling me? I’ve got to jump up and run toward Him! Gasp! Gasp! Am I facing Him? Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Rabbi, I want to see.” How will He respond? I feel His eyes upon me. Then the words I’ve been longing to hear, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Suddenly, I can see. Oh, thank you, thank you!

Think: How did the crowds try to discourage Bartimaeus? How did he respond to them? Have you ever found yourself intimidated by the “crowds” in your life?

Pray: Spend some time in prayer asking God to reveal to you if there are ways in which you have let the “crowds” in your life discourage you, or if there are any places in your life where you are acting as the “crowd” toward other people? Then, ask God to give you wisdom on how best to respond to these situations.

Respond: What can you do this week to encourage others instead of acting like the “crowd” in this story?

Author: Eric Endo, B4Church Culture Leader