THE SON OF DAVID IS HERE
46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10:46-52
We love to tell our children about blind Bartimaeus. It makes for a good story. But this is actually not a Sunday school story. It has details in it which one could easily miss. Jesus and His disciples were down in Jericho – the rebuilt city which was destroyed in Joshua’s day. Bartimaeus was a blind beggar sitting by the road and hoping for hand-outs. His acute hearing picked up the sounds of an approaching crowd. In the hubbub, he heard a name – Jesus of Nazareth – being spoken over and over again. Bartimaeus realised that the commotion was an excited crowd milling about this man, Jesus, as He left the city for the long climb up to Jerusalem.
Two things connected in Bartimaeus’ brain – “Son of David” and “mercy” (chesed, covenant faithfulness). What did Bartimaeus understand that the disciples had not yet grasped? Was it because of his blindness that he had a better perception of what the Messiah would do? Not many people recognised this aspect of Jesus’ Messiahship, kingship – yes, but merciful Son of David – no. This was an association of Messiah with the character of God – the God of covenant love.
Jesus’ ears and heart connected with the cry, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” Did His heart bond with this despised, side-lined, unclean, blind beggar because Bartimaeus recognised who He really was? It was always His joy to show mercy because that is who the Father is and He and the Father are ECHAD.
Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you?” wasn’t prompted by ignorance. He knew the man was blind. He wanted Bartimaeus to be specific, to verbalise his desire so that the faith channel would not be blocked by doubt or insecurity. Bartimeaus’ request showed Jesus the measure of his confidence in Him, and his understanding of who the Son of David was. He could have asked for new clothes or even a piece of bread but he asked big because he trusted big. To him, the Son of David meant that the one God had promised was here.