“Jesus, have mercy on me!” (2) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

When he (Bartimæus) heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!
Mark 10:47.

"Jesus, have mercy on me!" (2)
Blind Bartimæus was aware that a great multitude was passing by. That gave him hope for pity and perhaps some small donations. Then he learned just who was passing by: Jesus of Nazareth. How astonishing for him! Bartimæus cried out: "Jesus, Son of David!"

Jesus was the miracle worker, the carpenter and teacher from Nazareth, that small, insignificant town that once caused one to ask: . The term "Nazarene" meant disdain and contempt. Isn't it also common today that the biblical reports of the life and death of Jesus Christ are picked to pieces and rejected?

Many still see Him as a mere man, unusual indeed, but not the Son of God, the Saviour of the world.

Bartimæus called out: "Jesus, Son of David!" For him Jesus was not any descendant of King David's, but one particular "Son", of whom the Old Testament prophets had spoken: the Messiah, the Saviour who would fulfil the ancient promises. Bartimæus' designation of the Lord expresses his esteem and his hope. He added: "Have mercy on me!" He clearly trusted that Jesus Christ could help him. The way he pleaded shows his respect, his dire trouble, but also his trust and faith.

From Bartimæus we learn that we can ask the Lord Jesus for help sincerely and expectantly with the conviction that He can help and is willing to do so.

(to be continued on Tuesday)

Today's reading: Nehemiah 2:9-20 · Proverbs 11:1-9