Preaching Paths 27 October 2024

Sally A. Brown, Professor Emerita, Princeton Theological Seminary

Bartimaeus is the only healed person in Mark’s Gospel whose name we learn (Mark 10:46-52). The brief, dramatic story of Jesus pausing in his march to Jerusalem to restore Bartimaeus’ sight is compelling in its own right; yet, we only begin to discern the key role it plays in Mark’s gospel when we consider its placement and the way certain details resonate with other pericopes in Mark.

Mark includes two healings of blind men in his gospel (8:22-26 and 10:46-52). They bracket the “costly discipleship” section of Mark (8:22-10:52). In the first case, an unnamed blind man is brought to Jesus by others who “beg” Jesus to “touch him.” A first touch leaves his vision blurry; only after discussion and a second touch does the man see clearly. This scene foreshadows what readers are about to witness: despite three predictions of his passion and repeated lessons, Jesus’ disciples do not “see.” Each passion prediction fails to register; the disciples jockey for position on a presumed day of glory.

Bartimaeus’ story closes the “costly discipleship” section of Mark, preceded by Jesus’ third passion prediction and the almost clownishly incongruous demand of the Zebedee brothers, James and John, that Jesus reserve the seats to his right and left for them when he is enthroned (10:35-40). (They ignore his talk of abuse and death to come.) Jesus’ reply is chilling. Seats in God’s kingdom aren’t his to grant, but they will surely share his “cup” of suffering. Jesus continues the march to Jerusalem, and Bartimaeus, sitting by the road leading out of the city, learns who is passing by.

Details in Bartimaeus’ story contrast strikingly with earlier scenes in Mark. The role of the crowd this time is entirely different than in relation to the first blind man healed. This time, they do not help; they hinder. Bartimaeus shouts his plea for Jesus’ merciful attention over the crowd. They try to shut him up—that is, until Jesus tells them to call Bartimaeus over. Now in the limelight, they are all smiles and back-slapping: “Buck up, man; he’s calling you!” Unlike the blind man of ch 8, Bartimaeus’ sight is restored at once, without touch, only words. Jesus credits his healing to his faith (v 52; cf 5:34).

Two easily missed details connect Bartimaeus’ story with other recent scenes. Leaping to rush to Jesus, Bartimaeus casts aside what may be his only possession—his cloak. For the homeless, a cloak was indispensable; it was one’s only shelter. Readers cannot help thinking of the rich man who, grieving at the thought of parting with his many possessions, turns down Jesus’ invitation to follow. Also noteworthy: the question Jesus asks Bartimaeus (“ What do you want me to do for you?”) is the same posed to James and John. They grasped at power and privilege; Bartimaeus asks only “that I might see.” Ironically, he already does see what others don’t: this Jesus is royalty, the son of David.

Yet, we probably should not idealize Bartimaeus. He has not walked with Jesus as have the twelve. Bartimaeus has everything to learn. We do not hear of him again; he will no doubt abandon Jesus when the soldiers come, like the rest. And yet, in this moment Bartimaeus abandons what he owns and runs empty-handed to Jesus like a child. There is no hesitation, no calculation; only desperation, trust, and hope. His heart is wide open; he asks only to see. Jesus’ healing words give him a world; and he knows without doubt that, at that moment, what matters is following. When Jesus asks us, “What do you want me to do?”—what shall we say? Perhaps, “My teacher, restore my sight” (v 51).