Bartimæus - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Blind Bartimæus, the son of Timæus, sat by the road begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!
Mark 10:46.47.

Bartimæus
Blindness had forced Bartimæus to beg, but it also led him to the Lord Jesus Christ. Through his handicap and his poverty he was in great need; so he could not remain silent, when he heard that Jesus, the promised Redeemer, was nearby.

The people around him reacted angrily, but that did not trouble Bartimæus. And Jesus actually heard his cry, stood still and had Bartimæus brought to Him. He asked the blind man kindly, "What do you want me to do for you?" The answer came directly, "That I may receive my sight." And the Lord's response was equally prompt: "Go your way; your faith has made you well" (vv. 51.52). Bartimæus could see again. His blindness and poverty had led him to the Redeemer; and through Christ he became a child of God, a child of the richest of fathers.

What was the situation with the many people who accompanied Jesus and could see? Most of them saw the Lord merely superficially, without any lasting effect on their life. They didn't know the troubles that Bartimæus had and didn't sense how much they needed Christ, the Saviour.

Too many people still ignore Jesus Christ, because they think all is going well. But when people feel misery and helplessness, they are more likely to ask after the Saviour. And God has mercy on them. In His great mercy He wishes to bring forth blessing from their trouble, if only they come to the Saviour Jesus Christ, entrusting themselves to His gracious guidance.

Today's reading: The Song of Solomon 5:2-16 · Mark 9:1-13