What Does Jesus Want to Do For You? Understanding Faith Through Bartimaeus

The story of blind Bartimaeus teaches us powerful lessons about faith, persistence, and following Jesus. As Jesus passed through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem, this encounter demonstrates what it truly means to lean into hope and trust in Christ.

Who Was Bartimaeus and Why Is His Story Important?

Bartimaeus was a blind beggar who sat along the road in Jericho. Despite his physical blindness, he had spiritual sight – recognizing Jesus as the “Son of David,” a messianic title. This is significant as he’s the only person in Mark’s gospel to use this title for Jesus, showing his deep faith.

What Can We Learn from Bartimaeus’s Persistence?

When Bartimaeus heard Jesus was passing by, he shouted for mercy despite others telling him to be quiet. His persistence teaches us several key lessons:

Don’t let others silence your faith
Keep crying out to Jesus even when faced with opposition
True faith isn’t concerned with what others think

How Did Bartimaeus Demonstrate True Faith?

Bartimaeus showed remarkable faith through his actions:

He threw aside his cloak (his only possession and security) to come to Jesus
He knew exactly what he wanted when Jesus asked “What do you want me to do for you?”
After receiving sight, he followed Jesus on the way to Jerusalem

What Does This Story Tell Us About Jesus?

The encounter reveals important aspects of Jesus’s character:

He hears our cries for mercy even in crowds
He stops and takes time for individuals
He wants us to specifically express our needs to Him
He responds to persistent faith

Life Application

Consider these questions as you reflect on this story:

What would you say if Jesus asked “What do you want me to do for you?”
What “cloaks” (security blankets) might you need to throw aside to fully follow Jesus?
Are you persistent in bringing your needs to Jesus despite obstacles?

This week’s challenge: Identify one area where you need to cry out to Jesus with persistence. Don’t let obstacles or others’ opinions keep you from bringing your needs to Him. Like Bartimaeus, be specific in what you’re asking for and be ready to follow Jesus’s response.

Remember: True faith requires both bold asking and humble following. What steps will you take to demonstrate both this week?