Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭6‬-‭8‬
And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

The reason that Bartimaeus is in the Bible — that this miracle, among the many Jesus performed, was written about — was not only because Jesus made a blind man from birth see. This is truly incredible! But he also was included, I believe, for another reason: the dogged persistence of Bartimaeus’ faith. He was repeatedly rebuked by followers of Jesus. We don’t know what they were saying, but it could have sounded like this: “You are clearly a sinner from birth.” “Jesus has more important business and people to talk to.” “He is already past you, give it up!” “Just accept that you will always be blind and find happiness there.” “It must be God’s will that you are blind.” “Be quiet, I cannot hear his teaching.”

All of these followers might have, in their own minds, felt justified in rebuking this man. I understand this type of reducible by followers of Jesus. I have experienced it a few times in my life. What I have found is that Jesus values the persistent faith more than the judgemental heart.

Take a look at the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 16. Jesus calls out this lowly, poor widow and acclaims her persistence! And the point is, we should persistently request the things of God we need and want that are in his heart to provide.

This blind Bartimaeus did not request money or fame or an easy life. He requested his eyesight. He wanted to see.

Jesus granted his request and at the same time rebuked the rebukers. Bartimaeus was the one with the great faith commended by Jesus. The others did not care for him in a practical way. They could have helped him get to Jesus. Instead, they rebuked him. And by their actions, they failed to believe Jesus cared about Bartimaeus, as well.

Lord, thank you for highlighting the unwavering, relentless, and undeterrable faith of Bartimaeus! May it be said of me that my faith has these deep-rooted qualities, as well. I believe!