Scripture Reading: Luke 18:35-19:10
It is said that when a certain French queen was journeying through her country, orders were given that no persons in sadness or in trouble — blind, lame, or suffering — should be allowed anywhere along the way. The purpose was to keep from the sight of the gentlewoman everything that might cause her pain. When Jesus was journeying, however, no such commands were given. On the other hand, all manner of sufferers thronged the waysides, and He never resented them as impertinent intrusions.
Bartimaeus was blind and a beggar. He was sitting by the wayside, holding out his hand to receive alms from those who passed along. He heard a strange noise, the noise of trampling feet, and he asked what it meant. They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. He knew who Jesus of Nazareth was. He had never passed that way before, and now was the blind man’s opportunity. Bartimaeus knew what that name meant. He knew that Jesus was a great healer, that He could cure the sick, and that He could give blind men their sight. Instantly, as soon as the people repeated the name, his cry broke upon the air, “Jesus, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.” The people rebuked the blind man, bidding him quiet. But this only increased his earnestness. When the cries reached the ear of the Master He stopped and commanded that the blind man be brought to Him.
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