Mark 10:46-52
I am hard-wired to avoid danger, to not take chances, to play it safe. (Those of you who, like me, are Enneagram 6s know what this feels like.) The last thing you’d think I would do is adopt the Changemaker Initiative’s motto of “risk something big for something good.” And yet, I have done exactly that. Finding myself in an almost constant struggle with my fear of stepping out into uncertainty, I discover comfort and motivation in stories like Jesus’ healing of Bartimaeus.
Bartimaeus has every reason to stay safely covered by his cloak while sitting on the edge of the street as the crowd passes. A blind man could be trampled in the commotion of Jesus passing by. Why even try to get closer to Jesus? Why would Jesus even notice someone like him? Play it safe. Stay in your lane. Don’t take any risks. If Bartimaeus hears these voices in his head, he doesn't listen to them. When Bartimaeus first cries out to Jesus asking for mercy, the crowd tries to silence him, but he shouts even louder, boldly putting himself into uncertainty.
Bartimaeus’ risk-filled actions don’t stop there. When Jesus calls him forward, Bartimaeus throws off his cloak and goes quickly to Jesus. The cloak, a physical and symbolic representation of safety, is tossed aside without thought, making Bartimaeus even more vulnerable. Without any protection, this blind man makes his way through the crowd to reach Jesus and is healed. He risks something big for something good.
Not only am I inspired by Bartimaeus’ courage, I also am moved by Jesus’ compassion for everyone in this story. At first glance, it may not seem very compassionate to make a blind man come to you instead of going to him, but in this case, Jesus compassionately empowers Bartimaeus and softens the crowd by drawing them into the healing experience. Moments earlier, they all tried to silence Bartimaeus. Jesus’ invitation makes them change their attitude toward Bartimaeus and encourage him forward, likely even making a clear path for him.
Everyone is blessed by this encounter with Jesus because of their willingness to take risks and be changed. Their faith heals them.
PRAYER: Loving God, when those voices in my head tell me to be quiet and stay small, remind me that Jesus wants to hear me, wants me to be bold. Help me to live the way Jesus modeled for us, as a compassion-driven Changemaker. Amen
PROMPT: In his poem “Bartimaeus Meditation,” Steve Garnaas-Holmes writes, “Faith is not your beliefs; it is your reaching out.” How does this story give you another way to “see” vulnerability, risk, and faith?