HEAL – God’s Heart for Healing in MarkShembull

Throwing His Cloak Aside

Blind begger Bartimaeus sat day in and day out by his cloak on the roadside of Jericho begging for food or money. This was his life. Bartimaeus heard Jesus was walking by and, instead of quietly begging, he yelled loudly for Jesus. He didn’t care that others were trying to shush him. Because of his loud calling, Jesus said, “Call him.” Reminds me of the saying: The squeaky wheel gets oiled. Good ol’ Bart threw his cloak aside, the item that most likely identified him as a begger, and scrambled onto his feet to move toward the voice of Jesus.

Imagine Jesus asking you, “What do you want me to do for you?” Isn’t that the million dollar question we’d all love Jesus to ask us? Bartimaeus answered in a very straightforward manner, “I want to see.” And Jesus’ response was, “Go. Your faith has healed you.” Suddenly, he could see. The man, Jesus, had given him exactly what he asked for and more, including freedom from a life of relying on others. His desire after—to follow Jesus.

Questions:

1. Is there a metaphorical “cloak” in your life, the daily reminder of your illness or condition?  
2. What would you say to Jesus if He asked you, “What do you want me to do for you?”
3. Bartimaeus had to get up and move toward Jesus’ voice. Has Jesus called out to you for something and is awaiting your response?