Recognizing Jesus – Part 2 – Some thoughts for those who are seeking.

Do We Recognize the Presence of Jesus? Part 2

Prepared by Pastor Calvin Cook – January 22, 2024

Scripture focus: Mark 10: 46-52 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.

We are continuing with our look at the scripture story of a blind man by the name of Bartimaeus, a blind man who called out in faith to Jesus to see again.

Bartimaeus was physically blind, yet he saw Jesus with the eyes of his soul. He recognized who Jesus truly was—his healer, his Savior, his hope. Looking deep into this scripture; many in the crowd, despite having their physical sight, failed to see the significance of who was passing by. How often do we, like the crowd, become distracted by the noise of life and fail to recognize when Jesus is near?

Sometimes, our spiritual blindness—whether caused by doubt, fear, pride, or distractions—prevents us from truly seeing Jesus at work in our lives. We may feel stuck in our circumstances, sitting by the roadside of life, longing for change but unsure if Jesus will hear us. Yet, Bartimaeus teaches us that Jesus is always within reach, waiting for us to call out in faith.

Another powerful lesson from this story is Bartimaeus’ persistence. He refused to let obstacles stand in his way. Are we willing to persist in seeking Jesus, even when others discourage us or when the answers don’t come as quickly as we’d like?

Jesus’ response to Bartimaeus reminds us that He always hears our cries. He asks us the same question: “What do you want Me to do for you?” Will we come to Him with our needs, our desires, and our brokenness? Like Bartimaeus, will we trust that He has the power to heal, restore, and transform our lives? Then will we receive the answers to those prayers according to the will of God?

I’m drawn to the answer of Bartimaeus in the 51st verse “Rabbi, I want to see !!!” Ultimately, Bartimaeus’ life was forever changed because he recognized Jesus, believed in His power, and acted on his faith. His story challenges us to ask ourselves: Are we seeing Jesus and calling out? Will we recognize Jesus as the blind man did? Will we respond in faith and allow Him to change our lives so that we are blind no more?

My prayer for today is to see Jesus, avoiding the distractions of the things not of God that flash and present themselves. Praying to keep centered on Jesus. May I put this prayer in action in my life.