51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”
52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:51-52
The is the continuation from the day before yesterday on Bart, the blind man who was calling out to Jesus to have mercy on him.
We now hear Jesus’ question to Bart after he had jumped up, threw off his cloak, and was assisted toward Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus knows what Bart needs – He knows that Bart is blind but asks him anyway. In a very simple response, Bart says that he wants to see. Even though Jesus knew what Bart needed, He asked and wanted to hear his response anyway. This is the same question Jesus asked James and John in verse 36. But unlike them, Bart doesn’t ask for glory—he asks for his sight. He knows exactly what he needs…and he believes Jesus can give it.
Additionally, this is not just about Bart’s sight. Jesus uses the word that often refers to salvation. Bartimaeus’s faith was genuine—it was saving faith. He believed in Jesus as the Messiah, and his faith brought BOTH healing and salvation. What happens next is an indicator of true conversion — Bart didn’t just get what he wanted and walk away. He became a follower. He joined Jesus on the road to the cross.
Bart is an example of every sinner who genuinely comes to Jesus. He knows he’s blind. He accepts that he can’t fix himself. He cries out for mercy, he believes Jesus is the only one who can save him, and he follows Jesus after being healed.
APPLICATION:
Today this is simple…do I live out my salvation every day?
- I am no longer blind because I can see the world for what it is.
- I accept that I must rely on Jesus to make it to the end.
- I cry out to Jesus when I need help.
- I believe that Jesus knows what is best for me.
- As long as I am following Him, I am doing all that He would have me do (Psalms 1:3).