Bartimaeus follows Jesus - A sermon for Pentecost 21 based on Mark 10: 46 - 52

Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem. He has left Jericho a mere 15 or so miles from his destination. But now comes an interruption. It comes in the form of a blind beggar whom Mark names Bartimaeus. This Bartimaeus is one of society's nobodies. He is a man whose voice is wanted to loudly thank those of wealth who give him coins. But when that voice is used for his benefit rather than that of others then he is told to be quiet.

Mark's account would seem to suggest that Bartimaeus makes quite a racket as he learns that Jesus is passing by. Indeed I am tempted to imagine him having the noise level of Brian Haw who from a position across the road from Parliament is heard on a daily basis berating those politicians he blames for the deaths that have taken place in the Iraq and Afghan conflicts.

But Bartimaeus is not so much making a statement as simply seeking the mercy of Jesus. Unlike so many of his day and indeed our day whose understanding of God is rooted in power and domination, Bartimaeus already has the vision to see that Jesus, Son of David though he may be, is one who comes with mercy. And that vision is justified for Jesus takes time to speak with this rank outsider.

On the face of it this is a story about a physical healing. It ends after all with Bartimaeus being able to see. For this reason, our story is revered by those working in the field of blindness and visual impairment. For this reason, our story would have meant much to those who first heard of it, living as they were in a time and place where blindness was so very common with such catastrophic consequences.

And yet there is so much more to this story. After all it is a story of a man who will as a result of this encounter with Jesus find a very different vision of life than hitherto. An example of this is that Bartimaeus is transformed from being a dependent man to a man set free to make choices that he could not hitherto have made. And how he responds to such opportunity. We see it from the moment when having been called by Jesus, he throws aside the cloak upon which the coins granted him would have fallen. He is up for a new lifestyle - even a lifestyle that involves great risk as the comfort blanket of the past is disposed of and the challenge of learning new skills to support himself is embraced. But more than that this Bartimaeus becomes on of the followers of Jesus as he follows him on that road which will lead to Jerusalem and ultimately end with Jesus executed on a cross.

How Bartimaeus acquits himself as a follower of Jesus we do not know but it is a reasonable possibility that Mark takes the rare stept of giving the name of a man that Jesus healed, because Bartimaeus was someone who meant something to the community for whom Mark wrote. Maybe he lived up to a name which can be translated "Son of the Precious" which might indeed bear witness to a life greatly lifted up by an encounter with Jesus. We can't be certain but the possibility is certainly enticing.

And yet even this does not reveal the full wonder of this story. Just for a moment look back at the stories with which Mark has preceded the healing of Bartimaeus. A rich man whose security was founded on wealth rather than the way of Jesus has gone away sad. Disciples have quarelled about who should have the positions of status in Christ's Kingdom. These people have missed the whole point. Now contrast them with a nobody devoid of standing who sees even from his position of destitute disability that Jesus is about a wonderful mercy. Contrast them with that nobody who whilst they are putting life's vanity and tinsels first or seeking vain self interest, get on with the business of following Jesus and his way.

Jerusalem gets nearer. Soon Jesus and a motley gathering of Bartimaeuses will enter the city gates to confront the forces of cruel domination. In the face of overwhelming odds they will be at the beginning of a still ongoing story in which powerless love dares to confront the love of power. And guess what! That Bartimaeuses of this world are the ones who will change the world whilst the mighty, the powerful and the seemingly wise, stand exposed as dinassours whose time runs short. With "nobodies" like Bartimaeus, Jesus is bringing in the Kingdom of God and confronting the empires of self aggrandisement.

Yes indeed, the times they are a changing. For in Bartimaeus we see a story that confirms that which Jesus has already taught.

The first are becoming last whilst the last are becoming first!

Raring to go

This blog has been quiet for some time. The prime reason is that I have felt under weather whilst also going through a busy period of work. Rather than neglect my duties for the Methodist Church or my family I have neglected this blog. I now feel the urge to blog again so stand by for a relaunch this Sunday!