Today in God’s Word

Today in God's Word—May 2023

East Tallassee Church of Christ

May 20, Mark 10

Both were eager. One ran to Jesus; the other sprang up when called. Both seemed sincere. One wanted to know what to do; the other, seeking mercy, wanted Jesus to do something for him. Both were blessed to have personal interviews with Jesus. One walked away from Jesus with tear-blurred vision; the other was crying before the interview, but afterward saw clearly for the first time, and followed the man who had made him see.

One was rich, and one was a beggar. One talked about his law keeping and what he had done; the other expressed his faith in what Jesus could do.

What a striking contrast between the rich young man and blind Bartimaeus! There’s much to learn from their diverse backgrounds, requests and results.

It’s important to note that Jesus loved the rich young man. Of course his love for all of us is what brought him here and led him to the cross. But Mark made a point of telling us Jesus loved this man, even as he told him what he lacked and what to do about it. The young man was disheartened by what Jesus said because what he needed most to hear was the last thing he wanted to hear. It’s probably the same with you and me—the Lord challenges us to abandon some stronghold in our heart which divides our loyalty and keeps us from fully following him. He does it out of love, knowing what we need, wanting what’s best for us.

When Peter said the disciples had done what Jesus called the rich man to do, Jesus promised whatever they left behind to follow him would be repaid a hundredfold now, and

with eternal life in the age to come. Even if I can’t grasp all that means, I can trust the promise that I will gain, not lose by following him.

I think about Bartimaeus sometimes during prayer requests. He didn’t need time to gather his thoughts and decide on a request when Jesus asked what he wanted. He was direct: “Lord, let me recover my sight.” He had heard enough sitting on his beggar’s blanket on the outskirts of Jericho to believe Jesus of Nazareth was Messiah, the Son of David. Had he heard of other blind people receiving their sight? Whatever he had heard prompted him to plead for mercy. Rebuked by the crowd, he would not stop seeking a blessing from Jesus. He knew his opportunity was passing by, and he was not going to let it go quietly. Jesus bragged on his faith, and said his faith made him well.

Is your faith strong enough to keep anyone or anything from blocking your vision of his loving call on your life? What means most to you? Does your faith prompt you to act in the moment, unhindered by what others say or do? When you know you’ve been blessed by the Lord’s mercy, do you follow him?

From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.