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Scripture Text (NRSV)

 

Mark 10:46-52

 

10:46 They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside.

10:47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

10:48 Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

10:49 Jesus stood still and said, "Call him here." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; get up, he is calling you."

10:50 So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.

10:51 Then Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said to him, "My teacher, let me see again."

10:52 Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

 

Comments:

 

In contrast to the disciples who seek after glory in last Sunday's gospel, Bartimaeus comes to Jesus with faith, asking that he might see again. Recognizing Jesus' identity, Bartimaeus is the first person to call him "Son of David" in the Gospel of Mark.

The Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness with which Lutherans often prepare themselves for worship is interestingly named. "Brief" of course is used to compare it to a longer order of confession available. Yet that word might lead us to wonder if, proportionate to our sin, we should spend more time in this rite where we depend on our great high priest Jesus making intercession for us. "Order" is the other word that is of interest. Confession and forgiveness seem both to be occastions where the reserved proper "order" is not proportional either to the sin or the event of forgiveness.

Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, began and apparently continued to shout out and say "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me." Neither brief nor orderly, it seems, and therefore many folk sternly ordered him to be quiet. But he would have none of this desire for decorum or brevity or order; and knowing his need, he cried out even more loudly.

Perhaps we might assume his posture on this day in regard to our need for an intercessor. Perhaps we might also cry out for the sake of this shadowed creation, Kyrie eleison--Lord, have mercy! What if the church were more insistent in its praying and its pleas? Would that we would be more like Bartimaeus in passionately knowing our need and less like the "many" who would seek to silence those unable to be brief and orderly in their praying and need. Let us not be surprised when Jesus turns aside to engage those who embarrass our structured and ordered ways. Instead, let us demandingly shout out as well, seeking vision and hearing for the work of leaning into the future that our God offers in the gift of the beloved Son.


Mark's gospel is about to take a dramatic turn. Since the eighth chapter, all movement has been toward Jerusalem. Jesus has made three predictions about his passion which will take place there, but still the disciples don't fully understand. In a few short verses, Jesus and the disciples will enter Jerusalem. The passion will unfold. Persons will see Jesus through many eyes: the eyes of fear, the eyes of suspicion, the eyes of judgment.

The transition from journey to destination involves an encounter with the insightful faith of a blind man named Bartimaeus. "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Bartimaeus say, becoming the first person to raise the Palm Sunday shout. "Son of David" spoke of Messianic hopes, and Bartimaeus had hope -- and persistence. Like the children whom the disciples had sought to push to the side, Bartimaeus finds himself shushed when he cries out for help. But the crowd's attempt to keep him from disturbing Jesus only makes him cry out the louder. Bartimaeus will not be silenced.

Persistence finds its reward in verse 49, a verse that also hints that what is about to unfold is not merely a story of healing, but also a story of call. Bartimaeus responds to Jesus' call with enthusiasm. The first word Jesus speaks to Bartimaeus may sound familiar because it's the same question he asked James and John in last week's passage: "What do you want me to do for you?" Where James and John saw nothing but self-interest, Bartimaeus sees hope. "Let me see again." Already, he sees more than sighted disciples. He sees with the eyes of faith, as Jesus makes clear when he responds, "Your faith has made you will." The word Jesus uses for "made well" also translates as "save." Notice Jesus does not say, "If you have faith, you'll be better." How does Bartimaeus demonstrate faith? In his persistence? In his responding to the call? In his knowing what is the most needful thing to ask? All of the above? The gospel writer leaves it to us to decide.

Bartimaeus regains his eyesight, but the story does not end with his healing. Bartimaeus, having thrown off his beggar's cloak -- "the constraints of his past," follows. What comes as struggle fraught with misunderstanding by disciples accustomed to Jesus' voice and teacing and presence, Bartimaeus takes in stride and moves from beggar to disciple in one motion. Bartimaeus is able to do that which the rich man, who had kept the commandments all of his life, was not able to do: to let go of the past, let go of constraints, and follow.

The fact that this story of healing, uncharacteristically for the gospels, names the recipient argues strongly that this was someone known to the early church, perhaps even the Markan community. Why else remember the name? It's interesting to imagine what leadership and influence Bartimaeus may have had among the early Christians. With faith wide open, Bartimaeus follows Jesus "on the way." With faith wide open, so may we.


At the opening session of Annual Conference all the candidates who had been approved for ordination were being introduced to the conference delegates. The bishop had them lined up on the conference floor and invited the elders of the conference to walk down the line, greeting and welcoming the newcomers. A homeless man from off the street who was under the influence had wandered into the building and, hearing the bishop's invitation, he joined the line of elders and a hush came over the delegates. One of the elders took the man by the arm and guided him down the line, urging him on and telling him there was some food at the end of the line. After the man had shaken all the hands the elder escorted him to a concession stand and bought him some food and a drink. For many conference delegates this man getting into the receiving line was an embarassment. But for others it was a foretaste of the kingdom of God. What better way for clergy who are about to be ordained to be welcomed into the ministry than by one of the "least of these" for whom Jesus died? On one hand the elder who took charge of the situation might be commended for mitigating the embarassment. On the other hand he could be seen as acting in the spirit of Christ as he accepted a child of God who, for many, was unacceptable.

Reading about Bartimaeus, Jesus, and those who sternly ordered Bart to be quiet reminded me of this encounter with the homeless man at Annual Conference. Jesus' encounter with Bartimaeus is, for me, a glimpse of what is to come when the kingdom is realized. I hope to be a part of it. I hope to be accepted and I hope to be able to accept others on that day.

I wish I could dramatize this text; assume the role of Bart and give a narrative of what it would have been like to have had that encounter with Jesus.

Creature Wayne


Did a little "Google-ing" and found this hymn by John Newton (1779, from Olney Hymns, vol. 1, hymn 95). Newtonis better known for one of his other hymns, "Amazing Grace." The suggested tune is called Restoration, but since neither this tune or these words are found in the hymnals that my congregation uses, I am going to match these words to "Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing."

Mercy, O thou Son of David! Thus blind Bartimaeus prayed; Others by thy word are saved, Now to me afford thine aid: Many for his crying chid him, But he called the louder still; Till the gracious Saviour bid him Come, and ask me what you will.

2. Money was not what he wanted, Though by begging used to live; But he asked, and Jesus granted Alms, which none but he could give: Lord remove this grievous blindness, Let my eyes behold the day; Strait he saw, and won by kindness, Followed Jesus in the way.

3. O! methinks I hear him praising, Publishing to all around; Friends, is not my case amazing? What a Saviour I have found: O! that all the blind but knew him, And would be advised by me! Surely, would they hasten to him, He would cause them all to see.

OLAS


Sally: I'm responding in this week, so hopefully you'll see it, in relation to all the "servant" work you do in your church. Remember in the first century church when folks were complaining about the "serving" work not getting done.... that's when deacons came into being. Especially in the UMC we need to reclaim the role of "deacon" for lay folks.. not just clergy. Give yourself permission to "serve" as a leader. Pam in Eugene


A little more research -- Timaeus is a character from one of the Socratic dialogues, who believes that if he has the right prayer formula he can get the gods to do for him what he asks (yes, I know there is a lot more in that dialogue, but I think this is the part that applies.) The blind beggar may not have been a Socratic philosopher, but he is certainly a "son" of that kind of thinking, as are most folks in the pews on Sunday morning. The beggar's prayer is "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me." And Jesus replied as if this is the right prayer formula, "What do you want me to do for you?" The gospel surprise is that it isn't the prayer formula that is responsible for the healing, but his faith that Jesus is the one who can make it happen.

OLAS


We had Laity Sunday this morning. Our speaker told this joke concerning prayer (I can't use it this week since it has already been told here, but others might have some fun with it.)

What is the difference between praying in church, and praying in a casino? The people in the casino really mean it!

OLAS


I think that I will do an interview this week in the style of Katie Couric with a man who was formerly blind named Bartimaues. It is contemporary service this week. Any thoughts that might help? IL preacher


Hey, all,

Being Lutheran, we're doing Reformation Sunday on the 26th. I've emailed to ask for a page for those texts, so I won't be on this page this week. If no page for Reformation this week, I'll be in touch again next week.

Michelle


Pam in Eugene - thanks, and I do give myself permission. It just helps to hear it from others, too.

KHC - I sent you yet another e-mail to the UCMA address. It hasn't been returned so far...

Sally in GA


v. 50 - "so, throwing off his cloak, (Bart) sprang up and came to Jesus."

What cloaks our faith that, in order to spring up and (go) to Jesus, must be thrown off our backs?

Sally in GA


Creature Wayne, your comment of 10/15/03 was a great reminder to all of us that Jesus appears in many ways and when he said to love our neighbor as ourselves that is exactly what he meant. THANK YOU LORD, that you always welcome us with love and open arms. When we turn away and look down on others we are doing the same to God. Pastor Joan


Sally in GA,

First, I got your e-mail, and I have replied. Great to hear from you!

Secondly, you have asked a great question. In response to "what do we need to throw off in order to come to Jesus?", my answer would be self-sufficiency. I simply will not ask for help, even when it is clear I need it. When my sister died, I asked for nothing from anyone, including an ear. I just came back from her funeral and went to work. Same thing when my mother died. If I won't ask for help with my "afflictions" from the good Christians who are standing right in front of me, how do I ask for help from Jesus? I figured I could manage. I'm tough, I'm strong, I have faith, right? If only I had realized how much I needed to reach out and say "Help me. I need help". I could have thrown off the cloak of misery and been healed a whole lot faster. If that serious an issue was so hard to reach out about, imagine how I don't do it in less drastic circumstances! And people are deprived of the chance to offer their gifts of love and peace - and maybe healing, too.

And, moving out of old ways of thinking is another hindrance for me. It's comfy here. It's scary out there. I'm a slow sell on new things.

KyHoosierCat


Sally in GA,

First, I got your e-mail, and I have replied. Great to hear from you!

Secondly, you have asked a great question. In response to "what do we need to throw off in order to come to Jesus?", my answer would be self-sufficiency. I simply will not ask for help, even when it is clear I need it. When my sister died, I asked for nothing from anyone, including an ear. I just came back from her funeral and went to work. Same thing when my mother died. If I won't ask for help with my "afflictions" from the good Christians who are standing right in front of me, how do I ask for help from Jesus? I figured I could manage. I'm tough, I'm strong, I have faith, right? If only I had realized how much I needed to reach out and say "Help me. I need help". I could have thrown off the cloak of misery and been healed a whole lot faster. If that serious an issue was so hard to reach out about, imagine how I don't do it in less drastic circumstances! And people are deprived of the chance to offer their gifts of love and peace - and maybe healing, too.

And, moving out of old ways of thinking is another hindrance for me. It's comfy here. It's scary out there. I'm a slow sell on new things.

KyHoosierCat


Sally in GA,

First, I got your e-mail, and I have replied. Great to hear from you!

Secondly, you have asked a great question. In response to "what do we need to throw off in order to come to Jesus?", my answer would be self-sufficiency. I simply will not ask for help, even when it is clear I need it. When my sister died, I asked for nothing from anyone, including an ear. I just came back from her funeral and went to work. Same thing when my mother died. If I won't ask for help with my "afflictions" from the good Christians who are standing right in front of me, how do I ask for help from Jesus? I figured I could manage. I'm tough, I'm strong, I have faith, right? If only I had realized how much I needed to reach out and say "Help me. I need help". I could have thrown off the cloak of misery and been healed a whole lot faster. If that serious an issue was so hard to reach out about, imagine how I don't do it in less drastic circumstances! And people are deprived of the chance to offer their gifts of love and peace - and maybe healing, too.

And, moving out of old ways of thinking is another hindrance for me. It's comfy here. It's scary out there. I'm a slow sell on new things.

KyHoosierCat


OK. Three postings is over the top. I don't know what went wrong. I apologize. I hit submit, then back to the form, then refresh, it told me I couldn't refresh without re-sending. I did not re-send, I hit cancel and then got out. When I came back, it was there 3 times. What did I do wrong????

KHC


Sally in Ga:

What a great thought! "What cloaks our faith that keeps us from running to Jesus?" Let me see,...self, pride, anger, fear, feelings of unworth. The list could go on. Also, as KHC suggests, self-sufficiency. We can do it on our own. Could Bartimaeus?

We have some folks who are angry at the Bishop and Cabinet for the way appointments were done ~ go figure. (I am new this year, following a long-time pastor.) Anyway, they are so angry they cannot see their need for a continued relationship with Jesus. Rather than staying and talking it out, they left. Rather than crying out to Jesus, they shut themselves inward.

Bartimaeus is an example for us all. He could just as well continued begging on the street. But instead he called out, he reached out to the One who sought him out. What is it that hinders us from fully reaching out to Jesus? What is it that hinders ME from fully reaching out and accepting all that Jesus has to offer???

Some very early thoughts (for me), pbetty


After reading sone of your posts, Amazing grace gave me idea... coupling Mark and hebrews... Doing a different structure here.

1. I will just start off singing (i'm the preacher, whether i sing or not well, hehe dont matter) Amazing Grace 1st verse, tune House of rising sun. mark 10:46-48 and talk a little

2. Amazing Grace 2nd verse Tune HofRS Mark 10:49-52 and talk a little

3. Amazing Grace 3rd Verse tune HofRS A. Because of grace/faith Grace leads you on Bartimeus! Is Jesus asking you, What do you want me to do for you? Bartimeus got his sight. B. Hebrews 7:23-28 Our High priest stand in our Gap! Amazing Grace verse 4 Tune Hof RS (If then, a song tune to a rock song that told about a house of ill repute in new orleans can be redeemed by amazing- just think, What He can do for you?

Still early, outline here, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Clerically Blonde in West Ohio


Does anybody know what the name Timaeus means? Bartimaeus would mean son of Timaeus, so why would the text make the point that he is the son of Timaeus? I just wonder if there might be some significance in the name (kind of like Theophilus).

Any insights would be great.

Like many of you I am looking at theme of casting off those things that need to be cast off in order to see. I have noticed that it is Bartimaeus' faith (evidenced by crying out "Son of David) that has made him well - which I may juxtapose with the man who says "I believe, help my unbelief.

HAM in IL


Having the bright idea to look for my own answer, I "Googled" the meaning of "Timaeus" and am now more confused. According to some sources it is Greek meaning "Honor", according to others it means "foul/defiled."

Anyone interested can look at the two following links.

http://filebox.vt.edu/users/rgrisso/Grisso/Articles/Bartimaeus.pdf http://www.behindthename.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?terms=timaeus

I am wondering though if Bartimaeus was not only casting off his past but the way people viewed him because of his name. Maybe the double meaning has some importance in that often the world "honors" what it s "foul" or "defiled."

HAM in IL


Did a quick search and found that Timaeus means defiled.

Shalom


Tammy in TX, I've been thinking about you and keeping you and your entire family in my prayers. I pray things are going OK for your daughter. God's peace to all of you.

This message could have been sent by any one of us, so I won't sign it.


I'm more interested in the "springing up" to reach Jesus. There are folks that, I have to confess, I just don't picture "springing up" to reach Jesus, and who'd be put off by someone else "springing up" in enthusiasm for the Lord.

So it's not enough to cloak one's own faith; one must cloak everyone else's faith (at least those who come in contact with you), too. Seems like this was the impetus for the Reformation (even we UM's at least nod in that direction). It's that cloak of religion that we wear that keeps us from "springing up" to enthusiastically meet Jesus, and to see someone else "spring up" is disturbing.

Sally in GA


Sally, here's a little story that happened just last week at a nursing home near here. I try to go up there every Sunday to take one of my members who resides there to the church service they offer. Last week, the preacher was speaking about not allowing anyone to squelch your enthusiasm for Jesus, and that you should - SHOULD - shout Praise the Lord whenever and wherever you want to, especially during a sermon. "It's OK to interrupt the sermon to say what's on your heart", he opined. So, one very elderly lady had it on her heart to pipe up to say she didn't like people interrupting the service by talking. He replied, "Well, who would you rather listen to, a paid speaker or someone who wants to praise the Lord?" She said she wanted to hear the preacher and nobody else should talk. He insisted she needed to hear praises more and people should talk up more. They got into a bit of an argument that was rather heated. He became miffed because she kept interrupting his sermon. She was incensed that people would actually interrupt sermons. It was hysterical. I was sitting there thinking, "As one of those paid speakers, I think you've both lost the point of us gathering here today."

Two traditions clashed big-time. Neither one was "wrong", but they just didn't fit together. I think a lot of our squelching enthusiasm comes from just not understanding each other. The crowds on the streets of Jericho did not understand the situation of Bartimaeus, so they thought him to be just too much. Yelling on the sidelines at the Rabbi???? Interrupting what he was doing?????Bartimaeus did not understand why they wanted to hold him back - Jesus was there, and needed to be acknowledged! Praise the Lord!

Notice how quickly the crowds changed their tune after Jesus acknowledged the presence of Bartimaeus - they instantaneously switched from barking at him to telling him to take heart and go to Jesus. As soon as they realized that Bartimaeus and his shouting was OK with Jesus, Bartimaeus was OK with them, too. Even in their different approaches, they all had access to Jesus.

If we could only flip that same switch with each other and find legitimacy in all ways of honoring Jesus.... I'm still working on it myself.

KyHoosierCat


Sally et al.,

"What cloaks our faith that, in order to spring up and (go) to Jesus, must be thrown off our backs? "

Wow. Such a provacative question. wow.

mm in pa


In my own thinking and reading, I'm impressed by a couple of things: one, the first story in all this section, several weeks back, about the blind man who was healed in two stages ... then told not to say anything. Here, we have the final story on the way to Jerusalem and the blindness is immediately healed by B's faith, and (unlike the rich young man of two weeks ago) he follows JC. Plus, the question JC asks B is the same that he asked J&J last week.

Still too early for me, doing a lot of reading and germinating ... but the song that is used as the main theme to Joan of Arcadia (Friday nights, not to be missed in my humble opinion) keeps haunting me with this scripture. It is sung by Joan Osborne (no, not related to the Osbornes), found on her "relish" album, and is entitled "One of Us". The lyrics are very interesting ...

If God had a name what would it be and would you call it to his face if you were faced with him & all his glory what would you ask if you had just one question ...

If God had a face what would it look like and would you want to see if seeing meant that you would have to believe in things like heaven & Jesus & the saints & all the prophets ...

Somewhere in all that is this seeing Bartimaeus, looking at Jesus' face, knowing who Jesus is in ways that even those closest to him do not yet know ... somewhere in all that is that B knew even before he asked, even before he saw ...

mm in pa


Just a further thought on the meaning of the name Bartimaeus. Since the gospel may well have been written in Rome, and since at that point in the empire the koine Greek used by Mark was, perhaps, the most widely understood language, and since even the Jewish Christians in the Roman churches were probably not that familiar with the meaning of Jewish names, it is quite likely the hearers of Mark's gospel related the name--even with its semitic prefix "Bar-", to the Greek meaning of Timaeus--i.e. "honored"--rather than the Hebrew--"foul, defiled, unclean"--the name Timaeus in Hebrew being, according to The Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible (1962), a form of the Hebrew name Timai, which has the negative connotations noted above, and the name Timaeus probably being more familiar to the Roman crowd of that day from Socratic dialogue. At the same time, knowing from Paul's letter to the churches in Rome of the contentiousness between the Jewish and Gentile Christians in those churches, it's not hard to imagine that at least one of the Jewish Christians *did*, in fact, know Hebrew (don't we remember such know-it-alls from seminary?!!) and contributed to an argument over just this point--the meaning of Bartimaeus' name.

For what it's worth. (Maybe the point is, don't forget what the first audience is likely to have thought when they heard the story.)

Doug in IL


I've been doing a sermon series on "Life's Lessons". This week my sermon title is "Life's Lessons: Jesus Christ Superstar" I'm contrasting who and what the disciples thought Jesus was about and who and what Bartimaeus thought Jesus was about. As you can guess I will use scenes from the 1973 classic Jesus Christ Superstar. I'm thinking I will use the scene where Herod sings "walk across this swimming pool!" and perhaps contrast it to Mary Magdalene singing, "I Don't Know How to Love Him".

In one fell swoop Bartimaeus and Mary Magdalene get that Jesus is a smaller, more personal, an intimate savior than the disciples and Herod realize. Jesus is willing to be their personal savior, their personal guide to new life! And then on a grand scale Bartimaeus and Mary Magdalene see that Jesus is THE Messiah, that Jesus is THE savior for all time and for every human being. He is more than an agent to set Israel free from Roman oppression. Jesus is the agent to set all humanity free for all time and that is what truly makes him a Superstar! Personal, intimate and yet grand! Awesome!

Diana at the Lakes


KHC - loved your real-life tale; they each were practicing the antithesis of what they were preaching. Wonder if it was planned that way?

My congregation and I have the worship discussion frequently. I want to "enliven" them, but just what does that mean, when you get right down to it? Does it mean being demonstrative during worship, or does it mean being contemplative? Each "style" has its drawbacks - those who are demonstrative can become theatrical, and the contemplative can become mere observers.

Yet, this is not exclusively about worship. This is about being hindered in our relationship with the Most High. Worship is simply one expression of that relationship. We'd do well to consider whether our prayers are also cloaked, or our receiving Holy Communion, or our singing (or decision to NOT sing), or our Bible study ... or (insert any Wesleyan Means of Grace).

ANYONE: where does the term "cloak and dagger" come from?

Sally in GA


Sally in GA, "cloak and dagger" usually refers to spy stuff. The TV show Alias (which I have never seen but have sure heard about) is sort of a cloak and dagger set-up. It has to do with espionage, secret codes, secret agents, etc.

KyHoosierCat


Hello everyone! Found this little nugget in one of my resources and thought I would share.... Bartimaeus had probably begged in public places for years. He begged for scraps and was only able to eke out a bare existence. He knew tht he had almost no other options but to beg for the rest of his miserable life. Then Jesus passed his way and he was quick to recognize the wonderful opportunity afforded him. Perhaps Jesus could do for him what was reputed to have been done for others, restore his sight. He knew what he had to do, be a beggar for life; that is, he had to go for broke and not merely beg for a few coins or a few scraps. He was inwardly constrained to beg for his life. We too are beggars, helpless to join eternity's procession until Jesus calls us. We are blind until Jesus restores our inward sight. We must never settle for a few coins in our hands when we can possess heaven in our hearts. We truly are beggars for life....

What do you think???? --Bill from Burlington, IA


Sorry - didn't finish the thought. The "cloak" part is because everything is shrouded in secrecy. Not even the agents know everything that is being done or planned. Can't trust anyone......

The dagger part is because killing is part of the plan to eliminate anyone who's in the way. Even your own agents.

KHC


About the cloak... I preached on this passage years ago (1983-85) While doing the exegesis, I stumbled across an explanantion for the cloak: beggars used their cloak much as we see modern buskers using their guitar or violin case, laying it on the groud for passers-by to toss coins into. Like the violin and the guitar, Bartimeaus' cloak was his only source of income... of self-sufficiency... as soon as Jesus calls him, he tosses his cloak away, knowing/believing before he receives his sight, that he will never depend on that cloak again, simply because Jesus called him.


Anyway, as to the cloak, all I can think of is the debonair gentleman of old throwing his cloak over the mud puddle so the damsel does not get her feet wet!

Why do we throw off our cloaks? Is it to help someone; is it to reveal who we are, or, more to the point when Jesus is involved, to reveal who we can become?

I like what another contributor said about the "springing up" to see Jesus. While springing up and hands raised in praise may be frowned upon, so is the inward "springing up" by those who prefer the outward signs. If you do not praise God "my way," you must be doing it wrong.

Just some musing along the way. Thanks for all of your contributions. It so helps as I stumble along. pbetty


It just so happened that I saw the movie "Bruce Almighty" this last Saturday as I was already beginning to anticipate this text coming up this week. I could not escape the scenes in the movie where Bruce Nolan began to hear voices.

The voices, we find out, were the voices of persons praying. After a couple of failed attempts to organize the prayers into a handlable form, he finally settles for a prayer email system. Unable to handle the requests individually, he answers them in a block. The answer: Yes - which leads to the obvious consequences.

One of the possibilities for the text is to work with the question, "How does God hear ME when I am praying - along with everyone else who is praying?"

It is clear that there must have been quite a throng of folks along the road that day. Jesus' band of followers were not the only persons on the way to Jerusalem for passover. My hunch is that the crowd noise and those calling to Jesus was overwhelming. Still, in the midst of that throng, Jesus hears the plea of Bartimeaus! - and responds to him. And once B's needs were articulated to Jesus - Jesus responded to him at the point of his need.

Because of any variety of life's experiences, perhaps some folks feel like a lowly beggar in a sea of "righteous" folks when coming to God in prayer.

Gfource


Thanks, OLAS, for the song by Newton. I think I'll use it. The UM Hymnal has "restoration" in the form of "Come, ye Sinners, Poor and Needy." But I might like "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" better. BEACH SPRING also works. My sermon is falling into place with the disciples not wishing to "waste time" along the road healing people, because it takes away from their private teaching times with Jesus (not realizing this is teaching time). And Jesus yearns to be our redeemer. To redeem something is to make it worth something. If you redeem a coupon or certificate, it becomes useful, the equivalent of cash. Jesus makes something worthwhile of Bart's pain and suffering: a model for each of us disciples to throw off our own cloaks (I don't have enough talent, etc.) and spring up to follow him. Jane, Iowa


Isn't it just like Jesus to again respond to someone with a piercing question: "What do you want Me to do for You?" Isn't that the question we all seem to want to be asked by God? (When we do our order of healing, those coming forward for laying-on of hands and anointing with oil are asked: "What do you want Jesus to do for you?" based on this verse.) I get concerned that my prayers become TOO focused on Jesus as the Genie. There to do what I want Him to do for me. Blessed Bartimaeus, he laid it out in purity -- and received the blessing.

L'Anni in the Hague, NL


L'Anni, I have several parishoners who believe if they pray fervently enough, their prayers will be answered in the affirmative. They refuse any thought that God may deny their request. They quote "You have not because you asked not" as their Scripture point. I'm with you, however, that we can try to make God into our puppet, and if we pull the right string, he will do whatever we want. I think life experience will show us that just doesn't happen, but that doesn't deter these good folk.....

Bartimaeus was believing without the string- pulling, as you pointed out. This is what makes his story so compelling. He didn't manipulate Jesus, he just laid out his request, boldly. We've seen many bold people in the past few weeks: the Syrophonecian woman, the rich man who ran to Jesus, James and John, now Bartimaeus. While the meek may inherit the earth, the bold get an audience with Jesus. ;-)

KHC


Ham in Ill.

The two different names could be a very profound message. That Bartimaeus, was considered to be defiled or foul, and so left in his blindness to beg, for all to see, for years. But then was "honored" by Jesus, in touching him and healing him. He was restored to a life of honor, of participating with others, no longer condemned to blindness. The thing that he had been searching for, for years was accomplished by Jesus, Son of David.

Just some thoughts. . .

Susan in Wa.


Just a bit of artistic addition. I will be making life size silhouettes of street people (project outline drawings onto newsprint and trace) to line the entry way into the church as well as several signs made on cardboard like "will work for food" "Viet Vet, please help".

Steve Hermes, Lander WY


Does anyone have some ideas on linking this to Stewardship? We're beginning our campaign this Sunday and I'm still debating whether to stick with this or choose another text. REVJAW


KHC,

it did the same thing for me a couple of weeks ago, I think it is a little bug in the system.

Wayne, thanks for the story about man who came into the receiving line.

HMMM just purchased a black cloak to protect me from Maine winter, you can hide alot under it.

ks in ME


I am thinking of connecting this with the Job scripture under the title of "What Is Your Answer?" For both Job and Bartimaeus, their faith is boldly placed in one they have seen. They are yielded completely to his will. They believe God can supply as Job begins to pray in a different direction, for his friends, and Bartimaeus lays aside his cloak, he is not asking Jesus for money. They both ask for all God has to give and yield themselves to that fully as Job repents and Bartimaeus follows. More than anything they want God as He is- not as a puppet but as all powerful-able to do anything. Gary from Marshall Tx.


IL preacher asked for suggestions about an interview. You might deal with some of the things God had done in the past at Jericho. Any good Jewish person would have known his family history, and especially his scriptural history.

I would assume that every kid in Jericho would have grown up hearing the story of God's power in bringing down the walls when the situation seemed impossible.

Maybe Bartimaeus was hoping that the Son of David could dispense some of that power his way.

GC in IL


I was thinking about, “Throwing off the cloak.”

In the passages of the last couple of weeks Jesus seems to have been trying to get a number of people to throw something off… that which hindered them from really seeing what it meant to follow Jesus.

For the “Rich Man” it was his Possessions. For James and John (et al.), it was the Prominence they sought For bar-Timaeus it seems to have been his Predicament – being blind.

Actually, each one of these who came seeking something from Jesus were facing a serious Predicament, but only “Blind” bar-Timeaus seemed to see it as such. So, immediately he sprang up, threw it off, received what Jesus desired to give him and followed.

Sometimes what keeps us from following Jesus is desirable (Possessions, Prominence), but just as often it is a struggle we face, a disappointment we endure, a pain we can not let go of. A close encounter with Jesus should compel us to face the truth of our situation though – “What is it you want me to do for you?” He wants us to see that whatever keeps us from following Him is a Predicament – a cloak… no longer needed – to be thrown off.

just another Tom


ON THE NAME

HAM in IL,

I have no really idea how to answer your question, but perhaps to those who stood around Bartimaeus, they new his as unclean, or as soiled, but it his name changed its meaning as he was "honored" with healing.

Sounds a little far fetched!

tom in ga


To the general posting to Tammy...here I am

It has been a crazy few weeks which I would love to dialogue with you on. Have some family concerned that my daughter is not assured of her salvation when the time comes. very long story and one not app. for here. But things are status quoe. I am preaching this week but we are doing Reformation, so, I will have to find insight elsewhere this week. I feel like a trator. :0) Thanks for the prayers and concerns. More soon. Hate to use this up on personal issue.

Tammy in Texas


L'Anni in Hague - your post reminds me of a real-life example that happened to a colleague during our CPE residency at a public hospital. My friend goes into a room and asks if he can do anything for the patient. The patient says, "I don't know; what can you do?" I still laugh to think of it - and its profundity.

Sally in GA


Tammy - in case you check back, good to see you again, however briefly. Sorry to hear about the family issues - and know that we continue to pray for you.

Signed, one of many who cares


KHC - thanks for the "cloak and dagger" clarification. I'm not sure it'll work, but the "cloak" metaphor might. I'm touched that so many have picked up on it.

The way I'm going to use the metaphor is that the cloak represents our blindness, or infirmity (including sin). Yet, we use it as a "security blanket" to hide our true selves (thus the cloak part of cloak and dagger), as if to weigh us down, preventing us from springing up to Jesus.

And, in the "springing" up to Jesus. It was Bartimaus' way to "spring," but maybe not everybody's way. Whether or not we literally spring to our feet, the eagerness to go meet Jesus, when he calls will be the same. This is difficult to talk aobut with a rather staid congregation, especially without passing judgment, but that "cloak," the "big, bad Methodist Church," "the welfare divas," "Enron," "Republicans," or "Democrats," or what-have-you is what we try to hide our sin behind. We wear it as an infirmity, an infirmity that keeps us from DESIRING to spring up to Jesus in any way at ALL! It's the near-refusal to seek spiritual depth in this congregation that I wish to speak to.

Sorry for rambling; I'm thinking out loud a bit.

Sally in GA


Sally in GA et al,

I love where you're going with the cloak. I actually had a chance to do a lot of reading today and some of it reminded me of something I already know by experience and put together with some references here on this site.

Jericho is hot. Not just a little, but a lot hot. One does not need a cloak for warmth, even in the evening.

On the other hand, as has been pointed out here and elsewhere, the cloak was used as a gathering place for the coins and food people gave to the beggars along the sides of the streets. A blind man in particular would need that to help him collect things and keep track of them since he could not see.

The point still is the same: he threw off the cloak, holding all his "worldly possessions" and the symbol of who he was (past tense) -- the least, the last, the most unlovely, the truly marginalized in so many respects -- and he boldly tells Jesus his need ... a true need, unlike J&J the week before who could only answer that question with "wants."

He threw off the cloak of all that he was willing to leave behind (even though it may have provided him physical and emotional comfort) to follow Jesus.

mm in pa


Kind of connected to Sally in GA's cloak-tossing image:

Bartimaeus was SITTING on a roadway. Roadways are for MOVING. This close to Passover, the roads were likely jammed. Bartimaeus was virtually immobile in a place where immobility became its own problem. He stayed there until he saw a reason to get up and move. Then he sprang into action.

We've all found ourselves sitting when everyone else seems to be moving. Some of us wonder why our churches won't move in some specific direction. They seem to be glued to one spot sometime, creating some problems. What will it take for us to find our reason to get up and start moving down the roadway in our journey of faith? Jesus has come. Why do we continue to sit by the side of the road hoping something good will come our way?

Tammy in TX, you and your daughter are certainly in our prayers.

Eric in OH, where art thou, friend Eric? Thou hast been sorely missed this fortnight.

KHC


Just a quick note about how are church will celebrate All Saints Day....

Basically I wrote a note explaining the history of All Saints Day from Pope Gegory III (731-741)

... this not is an invitation for you to join us for worship on All Saints Sunday, November 2, 2003 at 10:30 AM in honor of your loved one, _______. Please send us 4 pictures (a couple fun ones showing your loved one enjoying the gift of life... and perhaps a couple that are serious) by Sunday October 26 or Tuesday the 28th at the latest. Also please include their name, date of death and their relationship to you. Following the worship you or a representative from your family is invted to take a rose off the altar. This is a small token of our symbolic appreciation for theose "Saints" who shared their "faith" with us so faithfully. Because of them, we are now better able to be witnesses of God's love in our world today.

We will have an identification slide before each set of pictures... about 5-10 sec. per slide... The last "slide" will be of some of our local church founders... phased out and a picture of our youth group will be included. We may even give each family a "copy" of the video segment of our worship.

With the LCD projectors it makes this special service easier to view and to create. My former church celebrated Memorial Day this way, with slides, but it was more laboring than the scanning of photos into a computer.

Sorry to interupt the discussion THIS week, but you might still have time to "try it" in your church(es)...

Blessings and care,

pulpitt in ND


Thank you to many of you both this week and last. Sermon went over well last Sunday, thanks to a lot of great anecdotes that appeared on this site last week. Now my brain is churning for this Sunday, and I am again so grateful to all of you.

I am leaning toward a focus on the voicelessness of bar-Timaeus. He shouted and shouted, but no one was willing to hear him. Who are the voiceless in our communities? Who are the ones with great need who we refuse to hear?

I am reminded of a visit to Russia in 1992. Beggars, many of them children, are known to flock around tourist sites in the larger cities. They are often wrapped in bandages and appear to have horrible injuries or deformities, and they can be quite aggressive in their begging. For the most part, they are ignored, and several of my fellow travelers were pretty convinced that they were faking their "injuries" and were merely trying to get an "easy buck" (or ruble, as the case may be). But how many of these really desperately DID need help? Their cries went unheard most of the time (no Jesus around, at least not in body), and those who tossed them a few rubles were considered gullible. Not sure where I'm going here, but I can still recall the fact of a young, dark-skinned boy with one eye.

When people shout and shout when we're in the middle of doing something else, we tend to ignore them or glare at them or tell them to "shush!" (The only example I can think of right now is a small child begging to go to the bathroom, but I don't want to equate Jesus' healing with letting a child use the toilet!) In our communities, who is the one who steps up to the plate and is willing to listen?

~Desiree in Sacramento~


It occurred to me just now that we all seem to be focusing on the blind man getting healed, or in some cases on his status as a beggar. But what about his BLINDness? To what are WE blind? To what do we need Jesus to open our eyes?

I am reminded of a family friend who was born legally blind and cross eyed. He is still cross eyed, but as a child he had surgery to repair part of his blindness. He once told my dad that the most amazing thing to him after the surgery was that he could see ants! He had never been able to see ants before! What is it like to suddenly see when we have been blind for most of our lives? I can only imagine that it is not the most comfortable thing to suddenly have sight. Sort of like being in a dark room and then suddenly going outside into the blinding sunlight. What pains might we experience when Jesus restores our sight?

I am reminded of the 1999 film "At First Sight," starring Val Kilmer. Kilmer's character undergoes surgery to repair his vision, and the film chronicles the difficulties he experiences as he tries to move back into the world of the seeing. As I recall, it's not a great film, but it's not bad, and I may watch it again this week to see if there are any nuggets of wisdom with regards to blind bar-Timaeus.

~Desiree in Sacramento~


I have to admit that I find this passage about dear Bartimaeus problematic. I find it problematice because of some prevailing theologies that look to this "blind beggar" and assume that because he was a man of little means, a man disabled man of little financial means, that some how for him to "throw off his cloak"--which meant that he literally gave up all he had, for I'm sure that what little monies and bread he had was in the pockets of his cloak--that in throwing off his cloak he gave up what he had for Jesus. Some would like to imply that for him to throw off his cloak was easy because he had little in this world--what an elitist and classs based bias. I'm still wrestling with what this means in our world, especially in light of bringing about justice.

I also find this passage problematic in that there also seems to be this idea that Bartimaeus blindness is somehow a "bad" thing and that Jesus needed to heal this "poor blind beggar". What is this saying about people with disabilities? Is our interpretation of this passage and (end result) sermon somehow oppressive in regards to those with disabilities? Do we focus on this man’s physical limitation (disability), and imply that his blindness made him imperfect? in need of heal? Do we think how awful for this man to be blind? Is our ablest superiority oozing through, and by qualifying and quantifying this man by the simple ideas that he was financially destitute and had a physical challenge—that somehow Jesus needed to save—but save him from what? Save him for a life of physical poverty? Save him from a life without sight?

I think that as Jesus has called us to free the oppressed, that in our sermons we need to becareful to promote justice by being sure that we do not promote theologies that only serve to oppress those who are financially poor or physically disabled.

In Christ,

RLS in KY


I have to admit that I find this passage about dear Bartimaeus problematic. I find it problematice because of some prevailing theologies that look to this "blind beggar" and assume that because he was a man of little means, a man disabled man of little financial means, that some how for him to "throw off his cloak"--which meant that he literally gave up all he had, for I'm sure that what little monies and bread he had was in the pockets of his cloak--that in throwing off his cloak he gave up what he had for Jesus. Some would like to imply that for him to throw off his cloak was easy because he had little in this world--what an elitist and classs based bias. I'm still wrestling with what this means in our world, especially in light of bringing about justice.

I also find this passage problematic in that there also seems to be this idea that Bartimaeus blindness is somehow a "bad" thing and that Jesus needed to heal this "poor blind beggar". What is this saying about people with disabilities? Is our interpretation of this passage and (end result) sermon somehow oppressive in regards to those with disabilities? Do we focus on this man’s physical limitation (disability), and imply that his blindness made him imperfect? in need of heal? Do we think how awful for this man to be blind? Is our ablest superiority oozing through, and by qualifying and quantifying this man by the simple ideas that he was financially destitute and had a physical challenge—that somehow Jesus needed to save—but save him from what? Save him for a life of physical poverty? Save him from a life without sight?

I think that as Jesus has called us to free the oppressed, that in our sermons we need to becareful to promote justice by being sure that we do not promote theologies that only serve to oppress those who are financially poor or physically disabled.

In Christ,

RLS in KY


RLS in KY,

I appreciate your raising the justice issues involved and bringing an awareness to us of the possibility of being less than politically correct about disabilities.

Like the "widow's mite" passage last week, I certainly do not believe that this story was included in Mark's gospel because either a)people who had less to lose had an easier time giving it up or b)that Jesus either criticized large givers or romaticized "smaller" gifts. I believe that this story is a juxtaposition to the rich man who could/did not follow Jesus when asked because he could not walk away from all his possessions. I surely do not think it easy for this man to have thrown off his cloak which held the only security he had.

I'm not sure that in the passage it says anywhere that B's blindness was a bad thing. It is surely not Jesus suggesting that, because JC asks B what it is that B wants from him. It is B that replies he wants to see again.

I personally can not even imagine preaching a sermon that would suggest a disability of any kind is a punishment or decreases a person's worth as a human being. I think it is our responsibility to be sure that is not heard, and to recognize that restoration of sight does not necessarily have to do with vision.

There are too many things in this pericope that jump out at us that we need to pay attention to: that this is the only named person healed; that there is no touch or words involved ... but that B's faith made him well; that this whole middle section began with a healing of a blind man and book-ends with another, that the question asked by JC is the same as asked in last week's passage ... for such a short pericope, there is too much to pay attention to.

There are many times in my life that I pray for my sight to be restored, and my vision is fine (well, aside from the bifocals :)

mm in pa


I've been working as the United Campus Minister at NDSU in Fargo...

Tonight is our Bible Study that I lead. I usually have them talk about the gospel for the coming week. Tonight was no exception.

We talked about blindness, I asked if anyone knew anyone who is blind?

One of the gals said, "I volunteered after school to help "latch key" kids at the school. We were playing Monopoly tonight. I didn't even notice at first that he couldn't see very well. But, one little boy was having difficulty participating, unkowningly he knocked his "money" onto the floor. A craby, bully-type kid said, "HEY MAN, what are YOU DOING?" The vision impaired child apologized and reached down to pick it up. Another boy stooped over to help pick the money up... (another second grader) "That's ok," he said calmly reaching under the table to pick up the other boy's pink bills "we ALL make mistakes!" he said matter-of-factly. As he helped organize the bills on the table... . "I drop stuff all the time!"

It was only later that my "student" noticed that the little boy who had knocked the money off the table picked up his white cane to walk to the door where his mother awaited him. Probably only 20% vision.

"Your faith has made you well!" Christ comes in many forms... even in a cafateria after school.

Through the eyes of a child disciple in second grade,

pulpitt in ND


I watched the movie "At First Sight" tonight and did get a good quote from it:

"One must die as a blind person to be born again as a sighted person. However, it is the interim, the limbo between two worlds that is so terrible."

Context: Val Kilmer plays a blind man who somewhat reluctantly undergoes surgery to correct blindness after being blind since age one. Much of the film deals with his struggles learning how to see, how painful that was in many respects. Toward the end of the film, however, he begins to lose his sight again (after only a few weeks of being able to see) and ultimately returns to complete blindness. The quote is a statement made to him by a "vision therapist," a man who is trying to teach him how to connect what his eyes pick up with reality.

What is it like to see for the very first time?

~Desiree in Sacramento~


It occurred to me that Bartimaus says, "Let me see AGAIN." So I take this to mean that he once was able to see, that he wasn't blind all his life. I'm brewing that one to see what it leads to. Also, I wonder, why didn't Jesus come to him? He was blind, after all! It was crowded, he could have fallen, he was surrounded by insensitive people-- perhaps a bully in the crowd may have tripped him. Yet Jesus calls him to come to him. So he has to stumble in the darkness. The crowd has to move aside for him, the same disciples who told him to shut up have to tell him now that Jesus is calling him. I take it as giving the man dignity. Giving him the joy of being able to walk to Jesus, however blindly, and then the first thing he sees is Jesus' face. I would imagine that nothing else mattered.. "crowd? what crowd?" He was so darn excited, he just had to follow Jesus... and he follows him right into Jerusalem to the Cross. How many people whom Jesus has healed are recorded as following. More often, they don't. What made Bartimaus follow Jesus right into his death when the disciples who knew about it ahead of time were in serious denial. Just some thoughts, sparked by yours!! PM in PA


Desiree in Sacramento - thank you for the "At First Sight" allegory. It reminds me somewhat of the cultural shift in the arena of the hearing impaired, highlighted a few years ago on ER with the dilemma one of the doctors faced while trying to decide whether to let his son have a cochlear implant. It's easy for us sighted, hearing people to think, "Well, duh! who WOULDN'T want to see and hear?" Yet it seems to be another form of arrogance.

In our city, the "cloak" would be the shopping cart that holds a homeless person's grimy worldly posessions. Or a panhandler's styrofoam coffee cup tossed down, letting the coins scatter. It would be an abandoned tent pitched under a highway overpass.

Desiree is onto something pretty deep - we resist taking that final plunge - staying with it through the transition into completeness. It's why, I venture, so many of us stall out in our spiritual lives at some point.

Still thinking out loud - and title-less again.

Sally in GA


Just re-read the post and wanted to make the first paragraph a little clearer.

We hearing and sighted people cannot imagine what it would be like to be without vision or sound perception. Therefore, we presume that everyone NEEDS vision and sound perception. It's an arrogant presumption, when you think about it.

Sally


Sally in GA - Thank you for your contributions to my train of thought. Your last comments about seeing and hearing people's arrogance in assuming that the blind or deaf WANT to see or hear goes right along with the "At First Sight" movie. The girlfriend of Val Kilmer's character naively assumes that his blindness is a problem and that he OF COURSE would want to see if he could.

In the scripture lesson, it is pretty clear (I think) that the blind man does want to see and seeks healing from Jesus. But when I have read this scripture I have always thought, "Oh, Jesus healed him, and the formerly blind man, now with perfect eyesight, happily goes on his way to follow Jesus." But what happened in that first instant of new sight? Was it "blinding" for him? Surely seeing for the first time cannot have been particularly comfortable. (Well, okay, it's a miracle story and Jesus is the healer, so maybe it was perfectly comfortable, but still...)

I am starting out by talking about all the casual ways we sighted people use the word "blind." Blind eye, blind spot, blinders, window blinds. What, are you BLIND?!

My title is "Blind Spots."

Thanks again for your input!

~Desiree in Sacramento~


Bartimaeus is the first person to address Jesus as "Son of David" (a reference to his being the messiah). Isn't it interesting that a blind man was the first to truly "see" who Jesus was?

In Matthew's recollection of this story there are two blind beggars and their eyes are touched by Jesus. Odd.

What I see in Bartimaeus throwing off his cloak and jumping up is a really strong faith -- he was so certain Jesus would help him he left his cloak (and presumably his money) behind and rushed to get to him.

I am quite intrigued by the question "What do you want me to do for you" (quoted that way in all 3 versions of the story). Was this Jesus' way of acknowledging the title Bartimaeus had used? Bart: "Messiah!" Jesus: "Yes, that's me. What can I do for you?"

When we pray, are we as aware as Bartimeaus was of who it is we are addressing?

Just my thoughts for the moment.....great postings this (and every) week! Janel in ND


Nicky Gumbel in the Alpha tapes has a great illustration on the theme of not wanting to let go of our possesions/comforts even for the sake of something better -- like the Rich Ruler and unlike the cloak of the Bartimaeus.

He did a funeral for a "bag lady" who frequently hung around their church. He assumed that it would be a very small service and that perhaps there would be no mourners at all. He was wrong. It turns out this "bag lady" was extreemely wealthy and as Nicky says: "where there's a will...there are relatives". There were quite a lot of mourners. Nicky reflected with some of the relatives on why this woman who had so much money would chose to continue living in poverty... sometimes when that is the only life you know it is very difficult to give it up for the unknown even if the unknown is better. (in hindsight thinking about this illustration I'm guessing there was a mental illness there, but it does make the point) KBinAB


In one of Harold Kushner's books he says the primary purpose of any of the world's religions is to change the way people see. (From hatred to compassion, from prejudice to understanding).

They called the early followers of Jesus people of "The Way." This passage ends with Bartimaeus following him on "the way." Social Gospel people would say that the primary message of Jesus was "The Kingdom of God." It was about a different way of being in this world - a way of justice and cooperation and right-relationships, without exploitation, violence, oppression and individual gain at the expense of others.

Assumately, many in Jerico did not follow Jesus on "The Way." They, and now we, are blinded to following "the way," and seeking the "Kingdom of God."

When we benefit from the competitive profit system of capitalism, when our lifestyle is good at the cost of the environment (and future generations whom we cannot see), when we help ourselves to the trough because we are closer and bigger than others, when we turn a blind eye to systemic injustice because all we carry about is our individual prayer life or salvation, then we are blinded to being people of "The Way."

Brent in Pincher


I remember seeing a horse hitched to carriage in Charleston, SC. The horse was wearing blinders, probably because it had to maneuver through traffic on narrow streets and the blinders kept it from being spooked. All the horse is aware of is what is right in front of it. There is the expression: "Out of signt-out of mind." If the horse can't see it...it doesn't exist (kind of like what is or isn't on my calendar). A horse cannot be led to saftey from a burning barn unless its eyes are covered. But put a blindfold over its eyes so it can't see the fire and suddenly it doesn't exist..there is no longer any impediment to reaching safety.

Right now, my congregation is divided over the election of a gay bishop. Some believe the church has taken a courageous stand, while others are so angry they are witholding pledges or leaving altogether. What is most painful is that they are not talking to each other, taking an "I'm rignt, your wrong" stand. This is very un-Episcopal in behavior. We have always been a church where the authority of holy scripture is taken very seriously. At the same time, there have always been varying interpretations of scripture, which can be all across the spectrum, and still we have been able to honor and respect each other, even though we do not agree. We do this, knowing that only God has the whole truth, and we are just doing the best we can to see through the glass dimly. We stay in dialog, seeking the mind of Christ together. Now however, people, especially those who are unhappy about this new bishop, do not want to even enter into the dialog. It's like they have blinders on. If I don't see it, it doesn't exist. What do we want for Jesus to do for us? Somehow I don't think these folks would share Bartimaeus' desire to see again. Sometimes having fullness of sight can be a scary thing. We can see things that are new, things that challenge our world view...and the structures upon which we have framed our lives.

Somehow I have to weave this into our stewardship commitment Sunday. HELP!

Susan in GA


Susan in GA. Thank you for sharing the struggle going on in your church. I read on another internet sermon that a short and meaningful prayer is "Lord, that I may see." It may be a good sermon title.

I know that I did not see the feminist perspective until I went to seminary and had some fellow students and teachers impress me with the realities of Partiarchy. It was a reluctant but necessary conversion.

I know that at one time I strongly resisted the acceptance of homosexuality. It wasn't until I met very healthy and credible homosexuals that I began to have my perception changed.

I once would have agreed with spanking, because I did not yet see how violence meant that I had become resourceless.

I have a hunch that I do not see a number of things. I do not see how watching professional athletes is much of a problem. I do not see many of the negative consequences of capitalism. I do not see a viable alternative economic answer to captialism. I do not see economic despotism. I do not see how there is greed amoung health care professionals, and trade unions, and ranchers and the oil industry, and ministers, that needs a prophetic critique.

Stewardship on this passage? If a steward is someone who is taking care of another's possessions, surely a good steward is someone who is open to seeing - themselves, their prejudices, their delusions, a better way of doing things. I would want a steward who at least knew they had areas of blindness.

Brent in Pincher


Hi!

It was hinted at in an earlier post that the Bartimaeus story is a story of call.... "Take heart; get up, he is calling you."

 

Although I am just a seminarian and would not presume to know enough to contribute.... I felt compelled to shed some light on this passage as it is the very story told from a pulpit on an ordinary Sunday that opened my eyes to my being called to ministry.

It was a very dark time in my life. I sensed God was closing the door on my business and like Bart. I had no "vision". As the preacher told the story, I totally identified with Bart. I was the blinder beggar on the side of the road....life was passing me by and I was stuck - blind to how to proceed. The only thing I had faith in was that Jesus had the answer.

I offer for your consideration that anyone who is truly in the dark and begging Jesus for an answer will literally jump at the chance to speak with him when personally summoned. Those who boldly seek Jesus gladly discard their cloak - for they believe that what Jesus has to offer far exceeds what they leave behind.

Could it be that the greatest significance in this story is that after Bart's sight was restored he followed Jesus? .... He could have just said, thanks and go along on his merry way.... but he didn't because those who have seen Christ face to face can't take their eyes off of him. A personal encounter with Jesus is that compelling!

JK in TN


And picking up on Brent's post regarding stewardship, when Jesus opens our eyes, we can see beyond our own personal needs. People who are near-sighted (literally or figuratively) tend to focus on what's close by, their own perspective (at least that's my experience as a near-sighted person..) When God opens our eyes, we can see a bigger picture, the needs of the world, and what God is doing in the world. And if we truly see the needs of the world, it puts our own needs in perspective, and we are more willing to give of ourselves and resources to God's work. Pray that our eyes may be opened.

DGinNYC


I've been thinking a little about the moment when Bartimaeus (who had insight but not sight) opened his eyes and saw Jesus'face. (I'm assuming that is the first thing he saw.) Fredrick Buechner's "the faces of Jesus"into says this, "Like you and me he had a faace his lige gave shape to adn that shaped his life and other's lives, and with part of ourselves I think we might turn away from teh mystery of that face, that life, as much of thetime we turn away from teh mystery of life itself. With part of ourselves I think we might avoid meeting his real eyes, if such a meeting were ppossible, teh way that at certain moments we avoid meeting our own realy eyes in mirrors becausr for better or wrose they threaten to tell us more than we want to know...Jesus' face is like the faces of the poeple we love, it has become so familiear that unless we take pains we hardly see it at all. Take pains to see. See it for waht is is and , to see it whole, see it too for what it is just possilbe that it will become. The face of Jesus as the face of our own secret and innermost destiny. " When Bartimaeus, the defiled one, (with insight enough to call J. Son of David) receives his eyes adn sees Jesus' face, he has sight and even more, he looks into the human face of God and has insight into what Jesus' intends for all of us to become.

Jackson, in MI


JK in TN,

Amen and amen.

Most of the resouces and commentaries I have read have indeed felt this was more a call story than anything else and for that very reason! Well put. He followed Jesus "on the way."

mm in pa


Jackson in MI,

Which Frederick Buechner book does that come from? Great find.

mm in pa


Ky HoosierCat,

Good news! The young mom in my congregation that I asked you to pray for re: possibility of bone cancer), had a blood test yesterday to see if there was the presence of a particular hormone or protein, (or something)that would indicate cancer. It came back clear! Thanks for your prayers. Now she is going to an orthopaedic specialist to see what is really going on in her hip and shoulder.

Susan in Wa.


To JK in Tenn,

For "just a seminarian" that was awesome! We love anyone to share perspectives and thoughts here. Please don't apologize for being a seminarian. There are some of us who have been ordained for a long time who need the fresh perspectives, not tainted by seeing the same things in the commentaries etc. Your experience is profound.

Susan in Wa.


I'm just starting my sermon for tomorrow afternoon at 5pm (!) but wanted to make a quick comment about names. My research indicates that the exact meaning of Timaeus is less important than the fact that the character is identified by his "full name" and that is another indication of the importance attached to the account. As you know, most first century people did not use "last names" as we have them now--preferring the son of/daughter of construction (if you are familiar with classic Russian names it helps make sense out of this). So to call him Bartimeus son of Timaeus, or Bartimeus bar Timaeus, was like calling him by his first and "last" name, and very few people in the gospels are referred to in this way.

I'll be back tonight pulling my all-nighter, or either I'll get up at 4 or 5 after a brief night nap and I'll probably be back on the board then.

My mom is still in the hospital although her condition is a little better. She is being transferred to a nursing facility today. Dealing with hospital paperwork and the logistics of getting her set up in the new place will take up the entire afternoon and evening and keep me from being able to work on the sermon (except in my head, which is important) until late tonight or early tomorrow morning.

Thank you all for your support.

Babypriest in MA


It's good to read your words again after 5 weeks away, doing a stewardship program, still teaching people that it's ok to talk about money in church! (Duh.)

I'm struggling with this text, in part because I feel so willfully blind and/or cloaked myself. All the talk about jumping up and following after Jesus--it's not a style clash for me, so much as hard to imagine when I am so aware of my sin, my unwillingness to take the next step in my life.

My sister (both of us preacher's kids) has drifted toward a charismatic-type church, and I know what she would say about this. She would say this is about claiming God's promise, which some have mentioned earlier. It's the issue of loudly calling out to God for mercy, knowing our need of God. Because as many ways as I choose in any given day to follow my own way, I also know that Jesus walks and is the Way.

So I sit in the middle of the road, with my eyes squinched together tight. And maybe Bartimaeus had more faith than I; maybe his blindness was not his own fault, as mine is. But I can at least do what he did--knowing my need, I can shout out for mercy. And I can hope that the image of God in me will carry the rest of me!

Sorry to be so melodramatic. Just kind of in a hard place and wondering how I can preach authentically about following Jesus.

Laura in TX


As one who has been blind, I understand the urgency of Bartimeaus. My blindness was temporary, a few weeks in duration which has occured 5 or 6 times, but the adjustment was difficult. I now have one glass eye (actually it is plastic!) This effects my perception, especially depth. What I think I see is not what is actually there. My perception gives me a distorted view. The miracle is that my brain automatically reprogramed itself to seek out different clues to discover where things are located.

What troubles me most is not variations in perception but when images are projected upon others. Some folks are so invested in their projections that they refuse to see what is really there. As a pastor I experience this. People only see what they want to project upon the position of pastor rather than discovering who we are what we are about. I have spend 7 years with some folks who still do not "see" the real me! (And it is not for a lack of explaining who I am or where I stand.) This kind of blindness is severe. A W-G rocky coast Me.


It's always so good to read your exchanges on this site. I don't often write, as I rather ponder the great variety of thoughts presented here. This week's thoughts are as good as usual. I like to look at this story from a different perspective. The dynamic between those who were following Jesus and Bart calling out for help, for attention. It bothers me that followers of Jesus would "sternly order him to be quiet," to remain invisible. In this world, I'm afraid, people standing on the sidelines are treated badly by the "followers of Christ." I like the image put forward on this sight about "throwing off the cloak of one's past." The church needs to allow people to leave their past rather than judge them by it (grace?). Also, how many people are shushed because they are social embarrassments, gay, extremely poor, scandalous histories....and so on. I guess my point for us to ponder is: are those followers of Jesus (in this Sunday's text) so unlike us? Peace and Joy, Francis (from MI)


JK in Tenn - welcome to the site, and thanks for your input! I think your post wove together the two threads I've been trying to weave together and simply too busy and distracted this week to "see" it!

Next, someone talked about not "seeing" alternatives to capitalism, watching sports heroes, and the like. However, I humbly ask you to consider this: Bartimaus was not BORN blind, as in Jn 9. Bart had seen before - your allegory is from the perspective of one who hasn't ever had vision.

Sally in GA


To Everyone who has expressed their frustrations and concerns this week: I haven't responded to you all individually, but know that whenever I read a post like that I pray for you right then and there. We need to hold each other up in prayer - and I trust that others are doing the same for me. This is our little cyber-community of faith.

Peace be unto you.

Sally in GA


KyHoosierCat

I'm only now putting my sermon together (Saturday afternoon) and came across your nursing home account... I think that was you. Dialogue is the best way to grow. My old Youth Minister from a previous parish, burst into our house (I was gone), my teenaged son didn't recognize him, but he (Chuck) pushed past my son (you'd have to know Chuck) and told my son, "I'll just wait!"... my son thought he was some homeless guy or something... my friend, Chuck, left as he could see my son was uncomfortable, but still didn't say who he was...

Then when my son realized who he was... he laughed at his initial fear of him...

you had to be there...

thanks for all your input once again!

pulpitt in ND