46 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.
It was the simplest of requests – and the most difficult of requests. “Rabbi, I want to see.”
Jesus didn’t take long to respond. He didn’t consider how people would react, or what the consequences might be for him. He answered the request. He answered it grace-fully (literally), he answered if powerfully, he answered in love.
And just like that, blind Bartimaeus was healed.
What do you think would happen if you were to ask, in faith, “Lord, I want to see” as Bartimaeus did. I imagine the result would be the same. The Lord would answer.
Right after saying he would be hated, condemned to death, and executed, Jesus opened the eyes of a blind man. Maybe, now that He is our risen Lord and Savior, it is time for us to show faith in Him – so that we can open our eyes too.
Lord, we want to see. Help us to see with your eyes, with your mind, with your heart, that we may do your will. Thank you, Lord. AMEN.
IGW3 - In God's Word, In God's Will, In God's Work 