Jesus and His disciples were leaving Jericho”¦headed toward Jerusalem. The crowds were on all sides and they were not silent. It probably was a noisy throng”¦and everyone wanted to see Jesus. As Jesus was striding along the road, He heard a voice shouting out His name”¦ “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped, and listened. There it was again, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, was sitting on the side of the road. Those who were near, told him to “˜be quiet”™!

But Bartimaeus kept shouting out to Jesus.

Bartimaeus asked why there was a crowd and had been told that Jesus of Nazareth was leaving Jericho. Then he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (See Mark 10:46-48)

When we have the opportunity to “˜see”™ Jesus, to “˜hear”™ His voice, how do we react? Do we make excuses why we don”™t go to a church where His word is preached? Are you and I as blind, spiritually, as Bartimaeus was physically? Are we beggars also?

Do we, like blind Bartimaeus, recognize the power Jesus has and ask Him for His mercy?

Jesus stopped and responded to this insignificant beggar because he had called out to Him for mercy.

(NASB) Mark 10:49 “And Jesus stopped and said, “˜Call him here.“™ So they called the blind man, saying to him, “˜Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you.”™

50 Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus.

51 And answering him, Jesus said, “˜What do you want Me to do for you?”™ And the blind man said to Him, “˜Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!”™

52 And Jesus said to him, “˜Go; your faith has made you well.”™ Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.”

When you call out to Jesus”¦how will you answer His question”¦

“˜What do you want Me to do for you?”™

Bartimaeus didn”™t hesitate”¦he wanted to receive his sight back. And by faith in Jesus”™ power to give him eyesight”¦he immediately regained it.

Bartimaeus did something more”¦he followed Jesus.

Jesus asks you”¦”˜What do you want Me to do for you?”™