”Jesus, have mercy on me!” (3) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

Then many warned him (Bartimæus) to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, Son of David, have mercy on me. So Jesus stood still.
Mark 10:48.49.

"Jesus, have mercy on me!" (3)
We may well understand why the crowd was angry over Bartimæus shouting so loudly. Everyone wanted to hear what Jesus said and witness what He did. Their expectations were disturbed by his desperate pleading; so they endeavoured to silence him. It would have been better, if they had simply taken him to Jesus Christ: then he would have stopped shouting. Was it egotism or indifference that overshadowed any feeling for the blind man?

The way Bartimæus was treated would be no different today. Anyone who seeks to come to Jesus with his need can reckon with resistance. There are many who know that they are sinful and guilty, or are at their wits' end through their ruined life and lament it. But there are others who are a hindrance; they seek to soothe or comfort them, and even distract or ridicule them. The burden of sins is not taken seriously; so it is no wonder that the call for spiritual help is silenced.

Blind, begging and helpless, Bartimæus was determined to be noticed and heard. So he did not give up; he persisted in calling for Jesus' help. What an example for someone in such trouble!

How did the Lord Jesus react? Despite all the clamour He had heard and understood the man's need. He stopped where He was, knowing that who needed Him most was not the crowd, but the one in trouble.

(to be continued on Friday)

Today's reading: Nehemiah 4:9-5:5 · Proverbs 12:10-19