The SALT Blog for Pentecost 23 goes into Mark’s Gospel story on the blindman Bartimaeus. This is the culmination of the section that the Blog has been discussing recently – 8:22-10:52&. “The primary theme of this central section in Mark is what it means to “see,” understand, and follow Jesus, the Messiah who comes not on a warhorse but as a suffering servant.” The disciples constantly avoid the real meaning with last week James and John more worried about their own status than the real meaning in Jesus’ story.
This section begins with healing of a blind man (blind man at Bethsaida) and ends with one another blind manBartimaeus . The particular story today (Mark 10:46-52) is at the end of this central section. The story starts in Jericho with Bartimaeus a blind beggar sitting by the roadside. He heard it was Jesus coming down the road. He calls Jesus in a loud, boisterous manner “, Son of David, have mercy on me!”Son of David was a title for the Messiah. He also calls Jesus , “My teacher”.
Jesus says to “call him here”. Before he goes to Jesus he throws off his cloak. The SALT blog indicates that this action to “symbolize a dramatic shift, such as a person leaving behind the old order of things. ” He is able to transition unlike the rich man in Mark who was unable to part with his possessions to achieve eternal life.
Jesus then asks him the same question he has just put to James and John: “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:36; 10:51). James and John actions pale beside him in his perception of Jesus. As SALT describes “the supposed “outsider” models a fitting blend of boldness and humility.” He is bold shouting out and calling Jesus “Son of Davis” but shows his humility “have mercy on me.”
With the Blind man at Bethsaida Jesus in charge leading “spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him”. With Bartimaeus it is his faith that has cured him. It was result of his own actions rather than Jesus. The SALT Blog maintains that faith for Mark is a “synonym for courage” “For Mark, he is nothing less than the model disciple, bold, discerning, humble, direct, and courageous”.
“Our faith — which is to say, our bold and humble courage — is both a gracious gift of God and a vital source of our everyday wellbeing. Accordingly, again and again, Jesus calls us to “take heart” and trust, and at the same time, to step forward and play an active role in our own ongoing restoration.”
From Trinity New York ,“We pattern our lives after Jesus’s teaching and example by putting others first, by caring for those who are outcast, and by positioning ourselves as children of God in need of God’s love and guidance.” “For Jesus, the liberation of God’s people is rooted not in violent power but in humility, service, and sacrifice — in love.” This is shown at the end of the reading- he is ready to follow Jesus.