Takes place on the road to Jerusalem for annual Passover feast - crowds of pilgrims - coming from the northern part of Judea.
We are 8-10 days from the cross.
Jesus passes through Jericho - 21 road miles yet to Jerusalem and a 3500 ft. climb!
Mark 10:46-52 (with Matt. 20 and Luke 18)
Cry "Son of David" = recognition of Jesus as Messiah
Note: this - last healing miracle recorded (except the servant's ear). Is the only healing in Mark with a personal name!!
Tradition = Bartimaeus became a major figure in the early church, was well-known
The Story (event) = simple, straight-forward - no difficult teaching, hard sayings, instruction to followers....
Question: Wouldn't it be great if this were a model for physical healing today??? (ie: ask in faith and be healed!)
BUT ... it doesn't generally work that way!! (is God's choice)
However ... healing miracles typically are more than just evidence of Jesus' power, authority...
Also = a model for our Spiritual healing!!
I) The Healing of Salvation ie: on 2 levels - salvation
#1. the healing of reconciliation (salvation - example: the Bridge)
II) the Healing of Sanctification - continual, lifelong
#2. The ongoing healing process ... of becoming what He saved us to be. (Sanctification)
So.... look at the story; what we can learn about
(A) Bart's physical healing
and (B) Our spiritual healing
Bart 1st:
(1) Bart was blind
(2) He knew it
(3) He knew no one could fix it (ie: no human)
(4) (assume) he'd heard many stories about Jesus (and His healings)
(5) suddenly, unexpectedly he became aware of Jesus' presence!!
(6) likely.... he feared Jesus would pass him by.
(7) So he cried out (in desperation) unashamedly
(8) Some tried to stifle his cries (why? not bother Jesus? spoil mood of festivities?)
(9) but he persisted - cried out louder!! he's determined
(10) Jesus heard his cries
(11) Jesus took the time to deal with him personally! one on one
(12) Bart confessed his condition and requested a healing
(13) he was healed! instantly, completely
(14) he praised God
(15) he followed Jesus - Luke 18:43
IF tradition is correct ... he became a faithful, long-term follower and influencer for Christ!!
NOW following that same list .... are there things here to learn about our spiritual healing?
ie: (1) the healing event of Salvation
(2) the healing Process of Sanctification
#1. We all have need of healing
in Both A) Salvation
B) Sanctification - Rom. 3:23 - is not just before salvation! We still sin and come short of the glory of God.
#2. We don't always realize it (or admit it!! Rev. 3:17
Contrast Bart - He knew he had a need, was deficient.
#3. If we do realize it, we often think WE can fix it!
Contrast Bart - he knew he couldn't fix it. On one hand, self-help = good stuff...
but..... Spiritual problems require a spiritual solution!!
So.... what are you going to do IF you know your need and suddenly become aware of His Presence?? (Visitation?)
Choices = (1) Remain Silent - out of fear, embarrassment, guilt, pride, love for your sins!!!
or (2) Cry Out - confess your need, request your healing
AND ... what if Family, friends, etc. dis-suade you??
Answer: Cry louder and longer!!
Example: the persistent widow - Luke 28:8
Isa. 62:6-7
Note: Jesus always hears your cry and gives personal time!!
Do... Blind Bart ws heard and healed!!
And here we deviate!!
Because, on one hand, Rom. 10:13 (Salvation!)
But, on the other hand, pride, anger, selfishness, bitterness, jealousy, lust, greed, laziness, indifference - NOT IMMEDIATELY Healed!!
But ... all spiritual healing starts here!!
ie: when we Recognize our sin
Cry out to God
Confess and Request!!
So, on one hand, things are very different from Bart's experience!
However, there are remarkable parallels!!
2 more things to note:
I) Mark 10:52 - "your faith has healed you"
(important distinction) Bart wasn't healed by faith!!
He was healed BY Jesus because of his faith!!
Faith was the tool, the instrument.
Faith = head, heart, hands
II) "he followed Jesus along the road"
Bart was healed of Blindness ... but NOT of all the things that plague the human life.
(within 10 days he likely Watched Jesus crucified!)
If tradition = trusted, he followed, faithful and long!
Which (after all) is the measure of Faith (Christianity)
Not whether you are healed
But whether you'll follow .... healed or Not!!
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