Letting go of all that holds us back; going all in for Jesus.
Why does it “take courage” for Bartimaeus to go to Jesus? He has to leave behind everything on which he depends, his only survival mechanism. The cloak would be his home, his protection from the weather, his security. Think about it: when someone blind throws off his cloak and runs, he would have no idea where it would be. He has really left behind home, warmth, and security for good.
Why would Bartimaeus give up all of this? We can tell that he has already heard of Jesus, because he is calling out for him. Then, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation which leads him to call out, “Jesus, son of David”! He has a specific expectation, that God in His mercy will give him the healing he needs. Bartimaeus throws off his cloak because he believes that he will see again.
What’s your “cloak”? What do you rely on for your sense of home, your protection, your security? Most of us develop ways of coping with life which work, but which also limit us. Coping, getting by as imperfect people, is something that we all do. But we’re also being held back by how negative our past coping strategies have been. How about anger, fear, or lack of confidence? Do you judge yourself and believe that you can never step into life that God calls you too?
What can you learn from Bartimaeus? First, he knows about Jesus. He even knows that Jesus is the son of David, meaning, the Messiah. Then, when Jesus comes near Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus directly. Next, here’s the key step: Bartimaeus is so excited, so full of joy, that he is willing to let go of everything that he depends on, to ignore the people telling him to be quiet. He’s so motivated, that he springs up and runs to Jesus.
Are you ready to spring up and run to Jesus? We can all pray for a desire to know Jesus more deeply. We all need help to let go of the things that hold us back. May we be inspired by Bartimaeus, who finds healing and a new life with Jesus.
- What do you rely on for protection and security?
- What difficult or seemingly hopeless elements do you have in your life right now?