This is the final story before Jesus enters Jerusalem, marking the beginning of the week leading to his suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection. During this week, God would sacrifice himself, shedding his own blood to atone for our sins and disobedience. He would bear our punishment and generously offer us his perfect righteousness.
In contrast to Jesus’ important work, the disciples exhibit spiritual blindness as they argue over who is the greatest among them. The love and light of Christ stand in sharp contrast to the darkness and sin of the world he came to save. Blind Bartimaeus represents the spiritual blindness that reflects the world’s need for salvation through Jesus.
Bartimaeus expresses feelings similar to those found in Psalm 13, which asks, “How long will you forget me, Lord? How long will you turn away from me? Please hear me, God; help me before I fall into despair!” However, this lament does not end in hopelessness, nor does Bartimaeus’ story. The Psalmist continues with a note of trust, saying, “But I rely on your kindness, and my heart rejoices in your salvation!” —Psalm 13:5 In the same way, Bartimaeus calls out, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” God responds to such pleas with healing and salvation.
The goal is not only to rejoice in the healing of Bartimaeus or the Psalmist but also to recognize our own need for a savior, our need for Jesus. When He turns His attention to us, can we say, “Have mercy on me, Son of David; give light to my eyes and spirit so that I do not fall into despair?” Can we understand our own spiritual blindness and moral emptiness? With humility, can we acknowledge our need for a savior? Perhaps Bartimaeus’ physical blindness helped him to see the truth and humbly seek Jesus. May we also be so fortunate.
What is the solution for spiritual blindness? It can be summarized in three steps.
First, like Bartimaeus, realize that we are spiritually blind without Christ. You might think this is an easy point, yet many people do not recognize their spiritual blindness. They believe they have a clear understanding of God, truth, and religion, yet they constantly shift from one belief to another.
Consider our situations. Are we aware that we might be blind to our sins, and that only Jesus Christ can help us see?
Second, we must accept that there is only one true cure. Trust that Christ alone can save us and help us understand the truth of His gospel and His divine nature. Many individuals view salvation as having multiple options or approaches. However, true salvation comes when Jesus is recognized as our sole choice.
Third, we need to ask sincerely for help. Follow Bartimaeus’s example by crying out in faith and repentance, asking, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” He had nothing to give Jesus; he was simply a blind beggar.
When we approach Jesus with our faith focused solely on Him, He will save us right away. He will open our spiritual eyes, which, as the apostle Paul notes, are often blinded and unable to see the light of the glory of the gospel of Christ, who mirrors God.
So, what can we see today? We may be physically blind, but the truth about Christ remains visible to us. You could have perfect eyesight yet still be unaware of the spiritual truth concerning Jesus Christ.
In our moments of darkness and confusion, Jesus is reaching out to us. He is calling our names clearly, in a way we can understand. Instead of just pointing, He speaks directly to us using our own senses to get our attention.
When we worry that we’ve missed His presence, or when we feel overwhelmed by fear in our darkness, take heart! Be encouraged! He is still calling us. He speaks in a way that we can hear. Just like Bartimaeus, we can respond by getting up and running towards Him.