Mark 10:49
“Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.”
Imagine the thrill that must have filled Bartimaeus when he heard these words. Although his eye did not allow him to see, he had heard the stories of the man from Galilee, who was healing the sick and raising the dead. Now Jesus was right there within the sound of his voice, able to hear his cries. Knowing that he had nothing to offer, Bartimaeus simply cried out for mercy. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Bartimaeus did not consider himself worthy of receiving anything from Jesus, but he did consider Jesus worthy of giving it. He knew that his only hope was mercy, and He cried out to the One he knew would provide it. The surrounding crowd began to rebuke him. They did not consider Bartimaeus worthy of receiving anything from Jesus. It is not difficult to understand why. What could a blind beggar possibly offer the King of Kings? I am sure Bartimaeus had grown accustomed to being silenced and ignored. Those with little to offer are often ignored. But his cry for mercy did not go unnoticed; Jesus heard his cry and called him; first to have his sight restored, and then to follow Jesus.
Like Bartimaeus, Jesus is calling you. First, He is calling you to come, have your sins forgiven and receive eternal life. Second, He is calling you to follow Him, and finally He is calling you to serve Him. Will you answer that call? Will you ignore the cries of your own heart or of others who say, you are not worthy? Instead, will you listen to the One who is worthy of giving mercy; Who is calling you to come to Him?
Pastor Jim
Questions for Mark 10
- According to verse one, what was the custom of Jesus?
- What principle for marriage can you detect in verses 5-9?
- What do we learn about divorce from verse 5, 11-12?
- Jesus seems very excited to have the children come to Him. How do you think you can encourage young people to come to Christ?
- If Jesus were addressing you and your relationship with God, is there anything that you think He would say is “lacking”? Whatever that is take some time right now in prayer to determine to deal with it.
- In verse 27, what does Jesus say is impossible for men but made possible by God?
- Take a few minutes to meditate on the promise found in verses 29-30.
- According to Jesus why did He come?
- How would you respond to the question Jesus asked Bartimaeus?
Jim Gallagher 