The Healer of Jericho

The Rev. Dr. David R. Freeman

Mark 10:46-52

The passage of scripture before us today is significant for several reasons. Matthew and Luke, as well as Mark, relate this event in their gospel accounts. And both Mark and Matthew bring their portrayal of Jesus' public ministry to a conclusion as the events of Holy Week take center stage. Furthermore this act of healing by Jesus is his last. One other matter of significance involves a man named Bartimaeus whose life was radically changed as a result of this road-side, gospel event at the city limits of Jericho.

When Bartimaeus had gotten the attention of Jesus with his cries for mercy, the compassion of Jesus took charge, and he delayed his departure from Jericho in order to minister to this blind beggar. No surprise then or now in the action of Jesus. What is somewhat of a mystery is the question with which Jesus addressed Bartimaeus; "What do you want me to do for you?" (Mark 10:51). Jesus' question was not seeking information, rather he sought to establish a relationship with Bartimaeus, one that would forever change the blind man. We know, for instance, that his life would be altered in ways he had never imagined. He abandoned Jericho and followed Jesus on the road to Jerusalem. Might he have been among the crowds who shouted "Hosanna," welcoming Jesus as the "one who comes in the name of the Lord?" (11:9-10). And too, the fact that his name was remembered in the same early Christian fellowship from which Mark's gospel originated seems to indicate a continuing relationship with the early church.

Perhaps the key to understanding Jesus' question lies in the matter of faith. We know that Jesus perceived Bartimaeus to be a person of faith by which the blind man experienced healing. The question, then, may have been expressed this way, "What do you want ME to do for you?" The question is itself a call to faith, and this faith in Jesus Christ led to the healing. Maybe none of us will experience what plagued Bartimaeus, but we do have needs and do have the compassion of the Healer of Jericho. What do we want from the Healer? It is the relationship of faith that we share with Jesus and with Bartimaeus that brings us into the healing circle.

Prayer: Lord, strengthen our faith and grant us the healing we need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

In over 50 years of ministry David Freeman has served Presbyterian congregations in Alabama, Virginia, Tennessee, Texas, and Mississippi. He and his wife, Mary, currently reside in Oxford, MS where he serves as parish associate of First Presbyterian Church. They are also my parents.

The Determined Walk

Mark 10:32-45

Our gospel reading for today presents a vivid scene filled with both determination and fear. "They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid" (Mark 10:32a). Picture this: Jesus and his followers are walking toward what, for the disciples anyway, is an uncertain future in the city of Jerusalem. Jesus is out in front, like the point man in a war movie. He is not hesitant but his disciples are lagging behind.

I admit that my own journey of faith sometimes resembles this scene from Mark’s gospel. There are days when I am content to allow Jesus to walk far ahead as I find excuses to dillydally. It isn’t that I don’t believe, it’s just that I’m not entirely sure that I want to go where Jesus is leading me. I lack courage, perhaps, or confidence. I am clearly not as determined as I should be. And yet, Jesus continues to lead me on and to lead others with me. Together we take hesitant, unwilling steps. Together we travel the road that Jesus has chosen. Together we go to meet the future that God holds out to us.

Why is Jesus willing to lead such a procession? I don’t know, but I thank God for the grace that Jesus displays. Even when I pause on the road of discipleship Jesus urges me on. And I know in my heart that whatever happens I will be in the company of the one whose love saves me. I may not be as determined as I should be, but by God’s grace I keep walking.

Prayer: Lord, lead us on and take us with you. Amen.

My guest blogger for tomorrow will be the Rev. Dr. David R. Freeman.

The Return of the King

2 Samuel 15:19-37

Mark 10:46-52

There is a significant alignment of readings in the lectionary today. According to the passage from 2 Samuel, David and his followers were forced to leave Jerusalem before Absalom could arrive. In the midst of the confusion there were those who offered their loyalty to David and vowed to live or die with him. Centuries later, according to our gospel reading, Jesus was traveling through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem when a blind beggar called to him. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me” (Mark 10:47-48). By relating this story Mark makes clear that the King, a true Son of David, is indeed returning to Jerusalem.

Scripture is full of such interwoven events. Words spoken in one time find their fulfillment much later. One event helps to clarify another. Like overlapping shingles—many parts which form an single entity, the history of God’s people meshes together to form one piece, one account, one purpose. It is given to a blind beggar to help us “see” the relationship between Jesus and David. (Remember, Mark’s gospel does not contain details concerning Jesus’ birth, so the connection with David has not been as evident in this gospel as it is Matthew and Luke.)

The interwoven nature of scripture is very like the community of faith in our own time. Though there are countess elements such as individuals, congregations, and denominations, they all intertwine or overlap to form one piece, one account, one purpose. When we regard one another with scorn or animosity we tear the fabric of faith for us all. When we seek to live with mutual forbearance and understanding we strengthen the bonds that connect us and give glory to the God who has called us all into being. We needn’t agree on all points of faith, but we must trust one another and demonstrate the love that Jesus poured out for us all. When we do so the reign of God becomes more visible and the kingdom draws that much nearer.

Prayer: Lord God, help your people to overcome their divisions and live in unity with one another, loving you, loving each other, loving the world you created. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Shocking News

Mark 10:17-31

When was the last time that you were actually surprised by something Jesus said or did? If you are new to the Christian faith then perhaps you have encountered something recently that actually amazed you. But if you are like me, a life-long Christian raised in a Christian home, it may have been years since Jesus did or said something you didn’t expect. Not so with the rich man from our gospel reading today. “When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions” (Mark 10:22).

I know that I’m not the first one to say this, but much about our world and our lives has served to “tame” Jesus, to remove the heart and soul of his teachings until it all sounds familiar. At the time he was ministering it certainly wasn’t that way. The things he did and said caused quite a stir. His teachings perplexed many, his healings were a revelation, his miracles were unexpected to say the least. When he appeared after the resurrection his followers were not sure what to believe. Now we come to church on Easter, not to be amazed by the news of a risen Savior, but because that’s what we do. Christmas isn’t so much about the birth of God’s Son as it is an economic indicator of how the next year is going to play out. And when Jesus says sell your possessions, give the money to the poor, and come and follow me, we hardly bat an eye. We’ve heard it before. That’s not really what he meant. There are other ways to explain that.

What has happened to us? Why don’t these things affect us anymore? Is it a lack of faith? Have we become too “sophisticated?” Or have we simply allowed ourselves to be lulled into a spiritual stupor? Whatever the case it’s time to wake up and let the gospel shock and amaze us. Did you hear what he said?! Sell your possessions and give the money to the poor! How can we pass that off as more of the same? The rich man was shocked by what Jesus told him because it completely changed his way of looking at things. I think it’s high time that we all began to look at Jesus differently and to let him surprise, shock, amaze, startle us. Otherwise, what are we doing here?

Prayer: Lord, open our hearts and our minds to your word so that it may surprise us and lead us to new ways of living in your name. Amen.