By Cheryl Boyette
Mark 10:51b-52a (CSB)
“Rabboni.” The blind man said to Him, “I want to see.” Jesus said to him, “Go, your faith has saved you.” Immediately he could see…
How many times have you read or heard this Bible story? Countless times? Me, too. But, as happens so often when we read God’s living Word, something new stood out to me today.
I used to think of Jesus’ reply to Bartimaeus’ simple, four-word request as the miracle of restoring his sight. Now I think there’s more to it. The CSB version quotes Jesus as saying “…your faith has saved you.” The Message version says, “Your faith has saved and healed you.” Did you catch that?
Bartimaeus called out with faith knowing that Jesus could heal his sight. To Bartimaeus, being able to see was the miracle he desired. Jesus looked deeper into his request (and his heart) and announced to Bartimaeus that he was SAVED! Did Bartimaeus even understand what that meant?
Did anyone who was present for this or any other miracle get it? There was a much bigger miracle wrapped up in this event.
Jesus’ miracles showed His divine power over all creation—that He was the Messiah. Even though Jesus tried to tell them, His followers didn’t understand that He was days away from the personal agony it would take to “save” them, (and us). It wasn’t until after His agonizing death and miraculous resurrection that they would really understand what Jesus meant by being saved. His perfect life, then death, is the atonement for our sins through which we’re saved.
We are blessed to enjoy this faith and resurrection hope as the Holy Spirit works through Scripture to reveal these truths to us!
Pray with me…
Jesus, thank You for miracles – big and small; then, now and future. Please open our eyes to see them and our hearts and minds to understand Your message in them. Thank You for Your Word which guides, encourages and enlightens us. Soften and humble our hearts, so we will take Your hand and walk in Your saving faith. Amen.