Topical Bible: Faith: Faith in Christ: Blind Bartimaeus and a Fellow Blind Man

◄ Faith: Faith in Christ: Blind Bartimaeus and a Fellow Blind Man ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The account of Blind Bartimaeus and a fellow blind man is a profound illustration of faith in Christ, as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. This narrative is found in Mark 10:46-52, Matthew 20:29-34, and Luke 18:35-43. Each account provides unique details, yet they collectively emphasize the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ.

Context and Setting

The event takes place as Jesus is leaving Jericho, a city of significant historical and spiritual importance. A large crowd accompanies Him, indicative of His growing influence and the anticipation surrounding His ministry. It is within this bustling environment that the blind men, including Bartimaeus, find themselves positioned by the roadside, marginalized by society yet hopeful for divine intervention.

The Cry for Mercy

In Mark 10:47-48 , we read: "When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!' Many people admonished him to be silent, but he cried out all the louder, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!'" This cry is a declaration of faith, recognizing Jesus not merely as a teacher but as the "Son of David," a Messianic title affirming His divine authority and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Persistence in Faith

Despite the crowd's attempts to silence him, Bartimaeus persists. His unwavering determination exemplifies a faith that refuses to be deterred by societal pressures or personal limitations. This persistence is mirrored in Matthew 20:31 : "The crowd admonished them to be silent, but they cried out all the louder, 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!'"

Jesus' Response

Jesus' response to their faith is immediate and compassionate. In Mark 10:49-50 , it is recorded: "Jesus stopped and said, 'Call him.' So they called the blind man. 'Take courage!' they said. 'Get up! He is calling for you.' Throwing off his cloak, Bartimaeus jumped up and came to Jesus." The act of throwing off his cloak symbolizes Bartimaeus' readiness to leave behind his old life and embrace the new possibilities that faith in Christ offers.

The Request and Healing

When Jesus asks, "What do you want Me to do for you?" Bartimaeus replies, "Rabboni, I want to see" (Mark 10:51). This direct request is a testament to his belief in Jesus' power to heal. Jesus affirms this faith, saying, "Go, your faith has healed you." Immediately, Bartimaeus receives his sight and follows Jesus along the road (Mark 10:52).

The Role of Faith

The healing of Bartimaeus and the fellow blind man underscores the essential role of faith in receiving Christ's blessings. Their faith is not passive but active, demonstrated through their persistent cries for mercy and their belief in Jesus' ability to heal. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity of faith in approaching Christ and the transformative impact it can have on one's life.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, this account highlights the Messianic identity of Jesus and His mission to bring spiritual and physical restoration. The title "Son of David" connects Jesus to the Davidic covenant, affirming His role as the promised Messiah. Furthermore, the healing of the blind men symbolizes the opening of spiritual eyes, inviting believers to recognize and respond to the light of Christ through faith.

In summary, the account of Blind Bartimaeus and his fellow blind man is a vivid portrayal of faith in action. It challenges believers to persist in their faith, to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, and to trust in His power to transform lives.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 20:30-34
And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, you son of David.
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 10:46-52
And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 18:35-42
And it came to pass, that as he was come near to Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Blind Beggar
... ye have heard many times that there was no salvation without faith in Christ, and
listened to ... Yet, it may be, I have among these poor blind men some here to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the blind beggar.htm

C. The Last Stages. Chs. 17:11 to 19:28
... The blind man was not disappointed. Jesus said unto him, "Receive thy sight: thy
faith hath made thee whole." How many likewise have found Christ able and ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the last stages chs.htm

Miracles of Healing Solicited by the Sufferers.
... not say very good, nor do I say Christ-like, for ... overcame, if not their gratitude,
yet the higher faith that is ... the occasion, but says there were two blind men ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/v miracles of healing solicited.htm

Mark.
... prayer for strong and victorious faith: "I believe ... relate on two distinct occasions
Christ's love for ... can whiten them" (9:3); that blind Bartimaeus when called ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 81 mark.htm

Controversy
... value, unless connected with Christ by living faith. ... a question to them: "What think
ye of Christ? ... David?" The Syrophoenician woman, blind Bartimaeus, and many ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 66 controversy.htm