Mark 10:46-52

The crowds journeying from Galilee to Jerusalem for the Passover usually avoided passing through despised Samaria by crossing the Jordan, making their way down the east side of the river, even as Jesus and his disciples had done. At Jericho, some fifteen miles from Jerusalem, the Passover pilgrims would re-cross the Jordan.

It was the custom for the people who for one reason or another could not attend the Passover to line the streets of Jericho to greet the passers-by. For this reason, the city was crowded when Jesus put in his appearance. Already the news of his coming had been widely heralded. There had been great talk of his miracles and his matchless teaching. Was this, indeed, the Messiah of promise? The atmosphere was tense with excitement. (The story of Zaccheus - Luke 19:1-10 - belongs to this same period).

As Jesus went out from Jericho, he came upon a blind man who was begging alms by the side of the road. Suddenly the man sensed the excitement that was in the air and asked what was going on. The answer was that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. Immediately, blind Bartimeus began to cry out, not for alms but for healing. He would not be silenced by the crowd, but persisted in crying at the top of his voice, Son of David, have mercy on me! (Mark 10:48)

In the midst of all the tumult, Jesus heard the blind man's cry and spoke, call him. The many in the company who had sought to rebuke the earnest seeker were silenced by Jesus's words. Others, probably more friendly to Bartimeus, passed on the word: Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you. (Mark 10:49)

Why did Bartimeus throw his cloak aside? Was this an unusual act for a blind person, who would ordinarily be careful to keep his garments within reach? It may be that he expected to be able to see it when he returned back. Jesus, granting him his request said simply, Go, your faith has healed you. (Mark 10:52)

The heart-warming note about this story is that, having recovered his sight, Bartimeus did not go off about his own business, but followed Jesus along the road. (Mark 10:52)