The story of Blind Bartimaeus, found in the Gospel of Mark, is a popular account of healing. Jesus comes across an infirmed man on the side of the road, heals him, and continues his way. In the scriptural narrative, it all seems quite ordinary. Yet, Jesus’ statement that “Your faith has saved you” (Mark 10:52) indicates that there was something about how Bartimaeus called out to him that was instructive toward his healing.
If this is the case, then the story of Bartimaeus’ healing is instructive for us as well. It highlights how we may approach our Lord in prayer. After all, we all experience times when we feel the need for Christ’s mercy and healing. What might it look like to emulate Bartimaeus? Below are seven steps for praying in the manner of Bartimaeus.
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Not much is known about Bartimaeus, apart from his name and the fact that he was blind. He sat by the city gate of Jericho, begging from all who passed by. More than likely, Bartimaeus was in a group of beggars. Bartimaeus’ presence by the roadside was a common occurrence. Begging was the only way of life open to him. We see this often in the scriptures.
Jesus may well have passed Bartimaeus on previous journeys. Yet, on this occasion. Yet, on this occasion, Bartimaeus recognizes the presence of the Lord. No doubt, he had heard about the many miracles Jesus had performed, and so in his spirit, Bartimaeus knew that Jesus had the capacity to heal him. Bartimaeus then acted on that conviction.
Can we recognize the presence of Jesus in our midst? Like Bartimaeus, we may feel cut off, unloved, or accursed. Yet, in his gracious love, Jesus makes his way to us. Jesus is close by, no matter what we face in our life. Fundamentally, prayer is rooted in the conviction that Jesus does not stand removed from us; he comes in grace, in love, and in power.
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There is a boldness to Bartimaeus. Mark records how, recognizing Jesus, Bartimaeus shouts, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy upon me!” (Mark 10:47). Scholars point out that “Son of David” is a messianic title. By calling Jesus the “Son of David” (rather than the son of Joseph), Bartimaeus indicates that he believes Jesus to be of divine origin. True, he may not fully understand the fullness of Jesus’ messianic identity, but he knows enough to cry out to Jesus.
Bartimaeus dared to believe that Jesus had the capacity and the willingness to transform his life. Can we do the same? Can we dare to believe that Jesus can help us? And if so, what does it look like to call out to him?
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Bartimaeus is not just bold in crying out to Jesus, but he is also bold in his persistence. As he calls out to Jesus, the crowds rebuke him. They believe Bartimaeus to be an annoyance to Jesus. Bartimaeus is told to stop.
Have you ever felt that your prayers were unwanted? Sadly, many believe their needs or concerns do not warrant approaching God. Either they believe Jesus has “more important things” to care for, or they believe that “there are a lot of people worse off than myself!” In each instance, they refrain from prayer, believing that their prayer is unwarranted, selfish, or downright wrong. Scripture, however, teaches that we are invited to come to Jesus with our needs, wants, and burdens.
Just think about what Bartimaeus would have missed out on had he listened to those telling him to stop crying out to Jesus. Similarly, what might we miss out on if we are not persistent in our cries? You are important to Jesus, and he desires to hear your prayers.
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Jesus is not bothered by the calls of Bartimaeus. Jesus stops and calls Bartimaeus forward. In response, Mark records that “throwing his cloak aside, Bartimaeus jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.” (Mark 10:50). Bartimaeus listened to Jesus’ voice and accepted his invitation.
When we listen to the voice of Jesus, we hear a gracious invitation to come to him. Like Bartimaeus, Jesus calls us forward and asks us the most encouraging of questions: “What do you want me to do for you.” Jesus flings open the doors of heaven’s blessings and invites us to declare all that is on our hearts. Can you believe that Jesus asked you that question today?
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Jesus utters a profound invitation: “What do you want me to do for you?” Yet, in that moment Bartimaeus has a choice. He can either speak what is on his heart, or he can say what he thinks Jesus wants to hear. He can either be honest about his needs, or he can present a façade of spiritual put-togetherness and self-sufficiency.
In a bold act of faith, Bartimaeus articulates his deepest prayer, “My Teacher, I want to see.” At that moment, he stands before Jesus, completely exposed. No bravado. No facades. No pretense. Bartimaeus is nothing more than a blind beggar trusting in the goodness of his Lord.
This is the place of healing and faith. Jesus invites us to voice what is on our hearts. The fact is, Jesus already knows what is on our hearts. When Jesus asks us, “What do you want me to do for you?” he asks not because he is unaware of our struggles or hurts but so that we can open ourselves to a deeper connection with our Lord.
What might you say? Nothing needs to be withheld. Whatever place of mercy or transformation you feel deeply in your soul, voice it. Declare it. Speak it.
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After declaring his need, Bartimaeus’ life is transformed. The power of Jesus comes flooding into his life. The very mercy he asked for is received.
Here’s the important thing to remember: mercy is given because Jesus is merciful. Grace is found because Jesus is graceful. Bartimaeus didn’t uncover the power of Jesus because he said the right words or stumbled on the right method. He experiences the power of Jesus because that’s who Jesus is.
The truth of scripture is that the grace, love, and power of Jesus are at work in our lives. We are to receive with thankfulness the work that Jesus does in our lives. At times, this may be a work of healing, at others, it may be a supernatural effusion of grace. But no matter what the outcome of our cry, we can trust that Jesus will do good work in our lives.
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Mark records, “Immediately, Bartimaeus received his sight and followed Jesus along the way” (Mark 10:52). When Bartimaeus follows Jesus on the way, it doesn’t simply describe a stroll down to the city of Jerusalem. Scholars point out that, at the time Mark wrote his gospel, the Christian community was known as “followers of the way.” This indicates that Bartimaeus made a deliberate choice to align his life with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Our prayers, whatever they may be, are to have this focus as well. We don’t ask for God’s healing so that we can go on our way, living our best life in complete independence and self-mastery. Calling to Jesus is to serve a deepening of our faith-relationship with the Lord. The goal of all prayer is to grow in Christ, not simply receive what one wants.
Where are you in this 7-step way of prayer? Do you need help to recognize the nearness of Jesus? Are the voices of obstacles and discouragements a bit too loud? Are you struggling to tell Jesus all that is on your heart? What might it look like for you to embrace the step you are on and then move to the next one? Each step draws you closer to Jesus. While following the example of Bartimaeus won’t assure you of a divine “Yes” to your prayer request, you can be assured that you will experience Christ’s presence, and his presence will sustain you.
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