Bartimaeus is the ideal disciple. His is the second of two healing stories of blind men. In the first we also see a symbolic representation of the disciples, who know Jesus’ identity but cannot grasp its significance for Jesus or its implications for themselves. Here we see a blind man, whose sight is fully restored and who follows Jesus on the way without question. “Jesus asks no more or no less of any would-be disciple. Rich or poor are asked to give up only one thing, everything” (Geddert). The picture, of course, is idealized. We know nothing of Bartimaeus’ subsequent story. But we do know that all those who are following Jesus forsake him and flee. He is, nevertheless, the picture of a true disciple. We cry have mercy on me and in his mercy he calls us to himself and heals our brokenness and removes our blindness. And we respond by following Jesus on the way—a way that includes redemptive suffering and death. --K. Brower, Mark: New Beacon Bible Commentary
Posted on: Fri, 16 Aug 2013 23:51:33 +0000
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