Commentary
Bartimaeus
Follows Jesus on the Way
Last
week, we listened to James and John asking Jesus for a favor. Today,
we heard Bartimaeus' request.
Let's
compare Bartimaeus with James and John.
James
and John were among the first people Jesus called at the very
beginning of his public ministry (Mark, Chapter 1). They are two of
the Twelve, those closest to Jesus. Moreover, James and John, often
with Peter, have the privilege of being with Jesus on very special
occasions. For example, Jesus let them witness the Transfiguration
(Mark, Chapter 8) and the raising of the daughter of Jairus (Mark,
Chapter 5).
Bartimaeus,
on the contrary, is a blind beggar. He is not even in the crowd
following Jesus. He is nobody. And he has nothing. His sole
possession seems to be the cloak, which he even “throws aside”
when Jesus calls him.
These
opposite background details provides a stark contrast between
Bartimaeus and James and John.
James
and John addresses Jesus simply as, “Teacher.” Bartimaeus
acknowledges Jesus as the “Son of David” and “Master” (or
“Lord” in some other translations.)
James
and John approach Jesus and demand, ““Teacher,
we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”
Bartimaeus
is much humbler. He simply pleads with Jesus, “Have pity on me.”
James
and John ask for places of honor and power, sitting at Jesus' right
and left even though they have been told three times what awaits
Jesus in Jerusalem. They are with Jesus, but they are not really
following him.
James
and John have eyes but they do not see.
Bartimaeus
had no sight but he could see.
And
once given sight, Bartimaeus is told “go your way.” However, he
follows Jesus “on the way,” which is the way to Jerusalem [1], the way of humility and sacrifice, the way of loving service.
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[1]
In Mark, Jesus' enters Jerusalem immediately after this story
of the healing of Bartimaeus.
http://www.agnusday.org/comics/124/mark-1046-52-2006.
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