Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.”  Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.  “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.  The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”  “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Bartimaeus knew what he wanted Jesus to do. He firmly believed He could make him well. When Jesus called him, he cast away his garment and came immediate to Jesus. Whether he was led or if he just could hear Jesus’ voice he arose and came. How many hear the call of God and wait or hesitate or fail to respond? The call of God demands an immediate response and that is what this man did. Do the old garments in some way represent sin? Can they represent the past to be cast away and come to Jesus? This verse was used as an epitaph on one gravestone - “And he threw away his garment and rose and came to Jesus.” That is an interesting thought at death, isn't it? We cast away our earthly garments and go forth in faith.

Jesus asked him this question. “What do you want me to do for you? “ Be specific. He was not a beggar looking for money. He was blind looking to see again. He wanted to be healed. Many people have excuses as to why they cannot follow Jesus. He is the one who calls and He is the One who enables us.

“Go” said Jesus “Your faith has healed you.” He had the conviction Jesus was the Messiah who could make him see. There was no doubt in his experience.

I have talked of blind faith. I am amazed at the remarkable story of Helen Keller who was both blind and deaf. Before her sixtieth birthday she expressed pity for the real unseeing society. “There are those who have eyes, yet do not see. There is a greater sight than even seeing physically.” Her long years of physical blindness had given her spiritual insight which enabled her to enjoy life in all its fullness. She said, “If the blind put their hand in God’s hand, they find their way more surely than those who see but have not the faith or purpose. “Blind faith becomes seeing reality for those who truly see. Bartimaeus saw Jesus for who He was. He saw and understood, Jesus was not just the need for his eyes, but his soul. He could bring the light into his real darkness within and give him hope.

Believing has always been the key to salvation. It is the key to a vital relationship with Jesus. Jesus asked him, “What do you need from me?” This blind man had nothing to offer Jesus but only receive by faith. He saw his needs. He came empty. He came powerless. He came as a sinner needing mercy.

Ray Stedman said, “When you come asking for good things from God, ask also to be able to see what they involve. Ask to have your sight given to you so that you see yourself and all that may be around you in need. Is your desire to use that gift for Him?”

In what areas in your life do you wish to see more clearly? For what purpose? How can Christ open your eyes? What is it that will make you a committed follower? What old garments need to be cast aside?

Prayer:  Lord, give me Your eyes to see.