Imagine a blind man, Bartimaeus, sitting by the road, begging for alms. According to the gospel of Mark, When he hears Jesus passing by, he springs up and calls out, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, he persists, longing for healing.

Bartimaeus represents all of us who, in our blindness, seek God. When we pray to Jesus with trust and confidence, He hears us. After Bartimaeus received his sight, Jesus called him to follow. This isn’t just a story of physical healing but a call to discipleship. Bartimaeus, once healed, immediately follows Jesus along the road. Bartimaeus throws off his cloak, symbolizing his old life as a beggar. We, too, must shed anything that keeps us from seeing, believing, following, and being healed. Remember always, we are not beggars but children of God, beloved and full of His love. Bartimaeus’ clear and determined desire to be healed is a lesson for us. Our discipleship begins with a clear desire to see and understand what Jesus wants from us. Jesus asks each one of us today, “What do you want me to do for you?” We must tell Him we want to see and understand His ways.

Bartimaeus’ story is our story. An encounter with Jesus opens our eyes, transforms our lives, and calls us to partnership in His mission. Let us rejoice in this encounter and transformation, walking in the light of the Lord with freedom and joy.