On the Way

What do you want from Jesus?


In the last few chapters of Mark's Gospel, the disciples have been asking Jesus for all sorts of things, most of which will contribute to their own sense of greatness or personal glory (9:34, 38, 10:37, 41).  It is one of the great ironies of Mark that those who are with Jesus the most seem to understand him the least.  Through various fits of envy and ambition, the disciples  prove that they just don't get it.


Then there is the case of good old Bartimaeus.  He only asks for one thing, which is to see.  There is no telling how long Bartimaeus had been waiting for Jesus to come around.  Once he finally heard him, he would not be denied.  His request is rather humble, however, compared to the others Jesus had received from his so-called "followers."  Curiously enough, Jesus said to him, "go; your faith has made you well."

In a powerful declaration, the gospel reveals the way in which Bartimaeus' spiritual sight results in the restoration of his physical sight.  And after receiving just what he wanted from Jesus, what does he do?  We might have run off in delight to see the world; but not Bartimaeus.  He follows Jesus to Jerusalem, the eventual place of his crucifixion.  In Mark's description, he is "on the way."

What do you want from Jesus?  What would you do if you got it?


How far would you follow?


On the way,

Darren