MARK 10: V. 46-52

For such a short reading there is a lot to ponder. As a blind person, Bartimaeus was on the margins of society. His cloak shielded him yet he threw it off. He called out to Jesus determined to get his attention. Perhaps he was used to being silenced but this time he persisted. Jesus asked Bartimaeus ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ His response was simple, clear and confident. Sometimes we are more blind than Bartimaeus. How often do we ask others ‘What can I do for you?’ How can I help?

It was interesting to learn from Rev. Karen that Bar means son of in Aramaic, a language similar to Hebrew and the common language of Palestinian Jews in Jesus’ day. Bar means son and timao means honor, so Bartimaeus means son of honor. The man’s circumstances (a blind beggar) stand at odds with his pretentious name (son of honour).

Jeanie H.