What obstacles must we "throw aside" to follow Jesus wholeheartedly? Setting the Scene “Throwing off his cloak, Bartimaeus jumped up and came to Jesus.” (Mark 10:50) Mark 10:46-52 paints a vivid picture: a blind beggar, hindered by poverty, darkness, and public scorn, hears that Jesus is passing by. Nothing—not the crowd’s rebukes, not his reliance on a beggar’s cloak—can keep him from shouting for mercy. The moment Jesus calls, Bartimaeus flings the cloak aside and runs toward Him. What he discards in that instant shows us the kinds of obstacles we must also discard if we are to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Obstacles We Must Throw Aside • Self-pity and resignation – Bartimaeus could have told himself, “This is my lot; sight is impossible.” – We, too, can accept long-standing weaknesses as permanent, forgetting that “nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37) • Fear of people’s opinions – “Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet.” (Mark 10:48) – Public pressure still tries to hush explicit faith in Christ. We must decide whose approval matters most (Galatians 1:10). • Dependence on material security – The cloak likely served as his bedding, warmth, and a place to collect coins. He let it go the instant Jesus called. – Modern equivalents: careers, savings, comfort zones. Jesus warns that possessions can choke the word (Mark 4:19). • Doubt and small expectations – Bartimaeus calls Jesus “Son of David,” a Messianic title, and expects full restoration. – Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that “he who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Scriptural Echoes • Hebrews 12:1: “Let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles.” • Philippians 3:7-8: Paul counts “all things as loss” compared with knowing Christ. • Matthew 16:24: “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” All three passages amplify the lesson: wholehearted discipleship demands deliberate shedding of hindrances—whether sin, status, or stuff. Practical Steps for Today • Identify your “cloak.” Ask: What am I clinging to for identity, security, or approval? • Confess and renounce fear of man. Replace it with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 29:25). • Take an action of faith. For Bartimaeus, it was a literal leap; for us it might be a public testimony, a sacrificial gift, or a decisive break from sinful habits. • Saturate your mind with truth. Scripture renews vision so we see Christ as more desirable than any rival (Psalm 119:72). • Stay in motion. After receiving sight, Bartimaeus “followed Jesus along the road” (Mark 10:52). Obedience must remain ongoing, not a one-time burst. The Promise for Those Who Let Go Jesus met Bartimaeus with healing and the freedom to follow. When we discard whatever restrains us and come at His call, He does the same—opening our eyes, lifting our burdens, and drawing us into closer companionship with Himself. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) |
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