Scripture Text (NRSV)
10:46 They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd
were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was
sitting by the roadside.
10:47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout
out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
10:48 Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more
loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
10:49 Jesus stood still and said, "Call him here." And they called the
blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; get up, he is calling you."
10:50 So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.
10:51 Then Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The
blind man said to him, "My teacher, let me see again."
10:52 Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well."
Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.
Comments:
In contrast to the disciples who seek after glory in last Sunday's
gospel, Bartimaeus comes to Jesus with faith, asking that he might see
again. Recognizing Jesus' identity, Bartimaeus is the first person to
call him "Son of David" in the Gospel of Mark.
The Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness with which Lutherans
often prepare themselves for worship is interestingly named. "Brief"
of course is used to compare it to a longer order of confession
available. Yet that word might lead us to wonder if, proportionate to
our sin, we should spend more time in this rite where we depend on our
great high priest Jesus making intercession for us. "Order" is the
other word that is of interest. Confession and forgiveness seem both
to be occastions where the reserved proper "order" is not proportional
either to the sin or the event of forgiveness.
Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, began and apparently continued to shout
out and say "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me." Neither brief nor
orderly, it seems, and therefore many folk sternly ordered him to be
quiet. But he would have none of this desire for decorum or brevity or
order; and knowing his need, he cried out even more loudly.
Perhaps we might assume his posture on this day in regard to our need
for an intercessor. Perhaps we might also cry out for the sake of this
shadowed creation, Kyrie eleison--Lord, have mercy! What if the church
were more insistent in its praying and its pleas? Would that we would
be more like Bartimaeus in passionately knowing our need and less like
the "many" who would seek to silence those unable to be brief and
orderly in their praying and need. Let us not be surprised when Jesus
turns aside to engage those who embarrass our structured and ordered
ways. Instead, let us demandingly shout out as well, seeking vision
and hearing for the work of leaning into the future that our God
offers in the gift of the beloved Son.
Mark's gospel is about to take a dramatic turn. Since the eighth
chapter, all movement has been toward Jerusalem. Jesus has made three
predictions about his passion which will take place there, but still
the disciples don't fully understand. In a few short verses, Jesus and
the disciples will enter Jerusalem. The passion will unfold. Persons
will see Jesus through many eyes: the eyes of fear, the eyes of
suspicion, the eyes of judgment.
The transition from journey to destination involves an encounter with
the insightful faith of a blind man named Bartimaeus. "Jesus, Son of
David, have mercy on me!" Bartimaeus say, becoming the first person to
raise the Palm Sunday shout. "Son of David" spoke of Messianic hopes,
and Bartimaeus had hope -- and persistence. Like the children whom the
disciples had sought to push to the side, Bartimaeus finds himself
shushed when he cries out for help. But the crowd's attempt to keep
him from disturbing Jesus only makes him cry out the louder.
Bartimaeus will not be silenced.
Persistence finds its reward in verse 49, a verse that also hints that
what is about to unfold is not merely a story of healing, but also a
story of call. Bartimaeus responds to Jesus' call with enthusiasm. The
first word Jesus speaks to Bartimaeus may sound familiar because it's
the same question he asked James and John in last week's passage:
"What do you want me to do for you?" Where James and John saw nothing
but self-interest, Bartimaeus sees hope. "Let me see again." Already,
he sees more than sighted disciples. He sees with the eyes of faith,
as Jesus makes clear when he responds, "Your faith has made you will."
The word Jesus uses for "made well" also translates as "save." Notice
Jesus does not say, "If you have faith, you'll be better." How does
Bartimaeus demonstrate faith? In his persistence? In his responding to
the call? In his knowing what is the most needful thing to ask? All of
the above? The gospel writer leaves it to us to decide.
Bartimaeus regains his eyesight, but the story does not end with his
healing. Bartimaeus, having thrown off his beggar's cloak -- "the
constraints of his past," follows. What comes as struggle fraught with
misunderstanding by disciples accustomed to Jesus' voice and teacing
and presence, Bartimaeus takes in stride and moves from beggar to
disciple in one motion. Bartimaeus is able to do that which the rich
man, who had kept the commandments all of his life, was not able to
do: to let go of the past, let go of constraints, and follow.
The fact that this story of healing, uncharacteristically for the
gospels, names the recipient argues strongly that this was someone
known to the early church, perhaps even the Markan community. Why else
remember the name? It's interesting to imagine what leadership and
influence Bartimaeus may have had among the early Christians. With
faith wide open, Bartimaeus follows Jesus "on the way." With faith
wide open, so may we.
At the opening session of Annual Conference all the candidates who had
been approved for ordination were being introduced to the conference
delegates. The bishop had them lined up on the conference floor and
invited the elders of the conference to walk down the line, greeting
and welcoming the newcomers. A homeless man from off the street who
was under the influence had wandered into the building and, hearing
the bishop's invitation, he joined the line of elders and a hush came
over the delegates. One of the elders took the man by the arm and
guided him down the line, urging him on and telling him there was some
food at the end of the line. After the man had shaken all the hands
the elder escorted him to a concession stand and bought him some food
and a drink. For many conference delegates this man getting into the
receiving line was an embarassment. But for others it was a foretaste
of the kingdom of God. What better way for clergy who are about to be
ordained to be welcomed into the ministry than by one of the "least of
these" for whom Jesus died? On one hand the elder who took charge of
the situation might be commended for mitigating the embarassment. On
the other hand he could be seen as acting in the spirit of Christ as
he accepted a child of God who, for many, was unacceptable.
Reading about Bartimaeus, Jesus, and those who sternly ordered Bart to
be quiet reminded me of this encounter with the homeless man at Annual
Conference. Jesus' encounter with Bartimaeus is, for me, a glimpse of
what is to come when the kingdom is realized. I hope to be a part of
it. I hope to be accepted and I hope to be able to accept others on
that day.
I wish I could dramatize this text; assume the role of Bart and give a
narrative of what it would have been like to have had that encounter
with Jesus.
Creature Wayne
Did a little "Google-ing" and found this hymn by John Newton (1779,
from Olney Hymns, vol. 1, hymn 95). Newtonis better known for one of
his other hymns, "Amazing Grace." The suggested tune is called
Restoration, but since neither this tune or these words are found in
the hymnals that my congregation uses, I am going to match these words
to "Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing."
Mercy, O thou Son of David! Thus blind Bartimaeus prayed; Others by
thy word are saved, Now to me afford thine aid: Many for his crying
chid him, But he called the louder still; Till the gracious Saviour
bid him Come, and ask me what you will.
2. Money was not what he wanted, Though by begging used to live; But
he asked, and Jesus granted Alms, which none but he could give: Lord
remove this grievous blindness, Let my eyes behold the day; Strait he
saw, and won by kindness, Followed Jesus in the way.
3. O! methinks I hear him praising, Publishing to all around; Friends,
is not my case amazing? What a Saviour I have found: O! that all the
blind but knew him, And would be advised by me! Surely, would they
hasten to him, He would cause them all to see.
OLAS
Sally: I'm responding in this week, so hopefully you'll see it, in
relation to all the "servant" work you do in your church. Remember in
the first century church when folks were complaining about the
"serving" work not getting done.... that's when deacons came into
being. Especially in the UMC we need to reclaim the role of "deacon"
for lay folks.. not just clergy. Give yourself permission to "serve"
as a leader. Pam in Eugene
A little more research -- Timaeus is a character from one of the
Socratic dialogues, who believes that if he has the right prayer
formula he can get the gods to do for him what he asks (yes, I know
there is a lot more in that dialogue, but I think this is the part
that applies.) The blind beggar may not have been a Socratic
philosopher, but he is certainly a "son" of that kind of thinking, as
are most folks in the pews on Sunday morning. The beggar's prayer is
"Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me." And Jesus replied as if this
is the right prayer formula, "What do you want me to do for you?" The
gospel surprise is that it isn't the prayer formula that is
responsible for the healing, but his faith that Jesus is the one who
can make it happen.
OLAS
We had Laity Sunday this morning. Our speaker told this joke
concerning prayer (I can't use it this week since it has already been
told here, but others might have some fun with it.)
What is the difference between praying in church, and praying in a
casino? The people in the casino really mean it!
OLAS
I think that I will do an interview this week in the style of Katie
Couric with a man who was formerly blind named Bartimaues. It is
contemporary service this week. Any thoughts that might help? IL
preacher
Hey, all,
Being Lutheran, we're doing Reformation Sunday on the 26th. I've
emailed to ask for a page for those texts, so I won't be on this page
this week. If no page for Reformation this week, I'll be in touch
again next week.
Michelle
Pam in Eugene - thanks, and I do give myself permission. It just helps
to hear it from others, too.
KHC - I sent you yet another e-mail to the UCMA address. It hasn't
been returned so far...
Sally in GA
v. 50 - "so, throwing off his cloak, (Bart) sprang up and came to
Jesus."
What cloaks our faith that, in order to spring up and (go) to Jesus,
must be thrown off our backs?
Sally in GA
Creature Wayne, your comment of 10/15/03 was a great reminder to all
of us that Jesus appears in many ways and when he said to love our
neighbor as ourselves that is exactly what he meant. THANK YOU LORD,
that you always welcome us with love and open arms. When we turn away
and look down on others we are doing the same to God. Pastor Joan
Sally in GA,
First, I got your e-mail, and I have replied. Great to hear from you!
Secondly, you have asked a great question. In response to "what do we
need to throw off in order to come to Jesus?", my answer would be
self-sufficiency. I simply will not ask for help, even when it is
clear I need it. When my sister died, I asked for nothing from anyone,
including an ear. I just came back from her funeral and went to work.
Same thing when my mother died. If I won't ask for help with my
"afflictions" from the good Christians who are standing right in front
of me, how do I ask for help from Jesus? I figured I could manage. I'm
tough, I'm strong, I have faith, right? If only I had realized how
much I needed to reach out and say "Help me. I need help". I could
have thrown off the cloak of misery and been healed a whole lot
faster. If that serious an issue was so hard to reach out about,
imagine how I don't do it in less drastic circumstances! And people
are deprived of the chance to offer their gifts of love and peace -
and maybe healing, too.
And, moving out of old ways of thinking is another hindrance for me.
It's comfy here. It's scary out there. I'm a slow sell on new things.
KyHoosierCat
Sally in GA,
First, I got your e-mail, and I have replied. Great to hear from you!
Secondly, you have asked a great question. In response to "what do we
need to throw off in order to come to Jesus?", my answer would be
self-sufficiency. I simply will not ask for help, even when it is
clear I need it. When my sister died, I asked for nothing from anyone,
including an ear. I just came back from her funeral and went to work.
Same thing when my mother died. If I won't ask for help with my
"afflictions" from the good Christians who are standing right in front
of me, how do I ask for help from Jesus? I figured I could manage. I'm
tough, I'm strong, I have faith, right? If only I had realized how
much I needed to reach out and say "Help me. I need help". I could
have thrown off the cloak of misery and been healed a whole lot
faster. If that serious an issue was so hard to reach out about,
imagine how I don't do it in less drastic circumstances! And people
are deprived of the chance to offer their gifts of love and peace -
and maybe healing, too.
And, moving out of old ways of thinking is another hindrance for me.
It's comfy here. It's scary out there. I'm a slow sell on new things.
KyHoosierCat
Sally in GA,
First, I got your e-mail, and I have replied. Great to hear from you!
Secondly, you have asked a great question. In response to "what do we
need to throw off in order to come to Jesus?", my answer would be
self-sufficiency. I simply will not ask for help, even when it is
clear I need it. When my sister died, I asked for nothing from anyone,
including an ear. I just came back from her funeral and went to work.
Same thing when my mother died. If I won't ask for help with my
"afflictions" from the good Christians who are standing right in front
of me, how do I ask for help from Jesus? I figured I could manage. I'm
tough, I'm strong, I have faith, right? If only I had realized how
much I needed to reach out and say "Help me. I need help". I could
have thrown off the cloak of misery and been healed a whole lot
faster. If that serious an issue was so hard to reach out about,
imagine how I don't do it in less drastic circumstances! And people
are deprived of the chance to offer their gifts of love and peace -
and maybe healing, too.
And, moving out of old ways of thinking is another hindrance for me.
It's comfy here. It's scary out there. I'm a slow sell on new things.
KyHoosierCat
OK. Three postings is over the top. I don't know what went wrong. I
apologize. I hit submit, then back to the form, then refresh, it told
me I couldn't refresh without re-sending. I did not re-send, I hit
cancel and then got out. When I came back, it was there 3 times. What
did I do wrong????
KHC
Sally in Ga:
What a great thought! "What cloaks our faith that keeps us from
running to Jesus?" Let me see,...self, pride, anger, fear, feelings of
unworth. The list could go on. Also, as KHC suggests,
self-sufficiency. We can do it on our own. Could Bartimaeus?
We have some folks who are angry at the Bishop and Cabinet for the way
appointments were done ~ go figure. (I am new this year, following a
long-time pastor.) Anyway, they are so angry they cannot see their
need for a continued relationship with Jesus. Rather than staying and
talking it out, they left. Rather than crying out to Jesus, they shut
themselves inward.
Bartimaeus is an example for us all. He could just as well continued
begging on the street. But instead he called out, he reached out to
the One who sought him out. What is it that hinders us from fully
reaching out to Jesus? What is it that hinders ME from fully reaching
out and accepting all that Jesus has to offer???
Some very early thoughts (for me), pbetty
After reading sone of your posts, Amazing grace gave me idea...
coupling Mark and hebrews... Doing a different structure here.
1. I will just start off singing (i'm the preacher, whether i sing or
not well, hehe dont matter) Amazing Grace 1st verse, tune House of
rising sun. mark 10:46-48 and talk a little
2. Amazing Grace 2nd verse Tune HofRS Mark 10:49-52 and talk a little
3. Amazing Grace 3rd Verse tune HofRS A. Because of grace/faith Grace
leads you on Bartimeus! Is Jesus asking you, What do you want me to do
for you? Bartimeus got his sight. B. Hebrews 7:23-28 Our High priest
stand in our Gap! Amazing Grace verse 4 Tune Hof RS (If then, a song
tune to a rock song that told about a house of ill repute in new
orleans can be redeemed by amazing- just think, What He can do for
you?
Still early, outline here, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Clerically Blonde in West Ohio
Does anybody know what the name Timaeus means? Bartimaeus would mean
son of Timaeus, so why would the text make the point that he is the
son of Timaeus? I just wonder if there might be some significance in
the name (kind of like Theophilus).
Any insights would be great.
Like many of you I am looking at theme of casting off those things
that need to be cast off in order to see. I have noticed that it is
Bartimaeus' faith (evidenced by crying out "Son of David) that has
made him well - which I may juxtapose with the man who says "I
believe, help my unbelief.
HAM in IL
Having the bright idea to look for my own answer, I "Googled" the
meaning of "Timaeus" and am now more confused. According to some
sources it is Greek meaning "Honor", according to others it means
"foul/defiled."
Anyone interested can look at the two following links.
http://filebox.vt.edu/users/rgrisso/Grisso/Articles/Bartimaeus.pdf http://www.behindthename.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?terms=timaeus
I am wondering though if Bartimaeus was not only casting off his past
but the way people viewed him because of his name. Maybe the double
meaning has some importance in that often the world "honors" what it s
"foul" or "defiled."
HAM in IL
Did a quick search and found that Timaeus means defiled.
Shalom
Tammy in TX, I've been thinking about you and keeping you and your
entire family in my prayers. I pray things are going OK for your
daughter. God's peace to all of you.
This message could have been sent by any one of us, so I won't sign
it.
I'm more interested in the "springing up" to reach Jesus. There are
folks that, I have to confess, I just don't picture "springing up" to
reach Jesus, and who'd be put off by someone else "springing up" in
enthusiasm for the Lord.
So it's not enough to cloak one's own faith; one must cloak everyone
else's faith (at least those who come in contact with you), too. Seems
like this was the impetus for the Reformation (even we UM's at least
nod in that direction). It's that cloak of religion that we wear that
keeps us from "springing up" to enthusiastically meet Jesus, and to
see someone else "spring up" is disturbing.
Sally in GA
Sally, here's a little story that happened just last week at a nursing
home near here. I try to go up there every Sunday to take one of my
members who resides there to the church service they offer. Last week,
the preacher was speaking about not allowing anyone to squelch your
enthusiasm for Jesus, and that you should - SHOULD - shout Praise the
Lord whenever and wherever you want to, especially during a sermon.
"It's OK to interrupt the sermon to say what's on your heart", he
opined. So, one very elderly lady had it on her heart to pipe up to
say she didn't like people interrupting the service by talking. He
replied, "Well, who would you rather listen to, a paid speaker or
someone who wants to praise the Lord?" She said she wanted to hear the
preacher and nobody else should talk. He insisted she needed to hear
praises more and people should talk up more. They got into a bit of an
argument that was rather heated. He became miffed because she kept
interrupting his sermon. She was incensed that people would actually
interrupt sermons. It was hysterical. I was sitting there thinking,
"As one of those paid speakers, I think you've both lost the point of
us gathering here today."
Two traditions clashed big-time. Neither one was "wrong", but they
just didn't fit together. I think a lot of our squelching enthusiasm
comes from just not understanding each other. The crowds on the
streets of Jericho did not understand the situation of Bartimaeus, so
they thought him to be just too much. Yelling on the sidelines at the
Rabbi???? Interrupting what he was doing?????Bartimaeus did not
understand why they wanted to hold him back - Jesus was there, and
needed to be acknowledged! Praise the Lord!
Notice how quickly the crowds changed their tune after Jesus
acknowledged the presence of Bartimaeus - they instantaneously
switched from barking at him to telling him to take heart and go to
Jesus. As soon as they realized that Bartimaeus and his shouting was
OK with Jesus, Bartimaeus was OK with them, too. Even in their
different approaches, they all had access to Jesus.
If we could only flip that same switch with each other and find
legitimacy in all ways of honoring Jesus.... I'm still working on it
myself.
KyHoosierCat
Sally et al.,
"What cloaks our faith that, in order to spring up and (go) to Jesus,
must be thrown off our backs? "
Wow. Such a provacative question. wow.
mm in pa
In my own thinking and reading, I'm impressed by a couple of things:
one, the first story in all this section, several weeks back, about
the blind man who was healed in two stages ... then told not to say
anything. Here, we have the final story on the way to Jerusalem and
the blindness is immediately healed by B's faith, and (unlike the rich
young man of two weeks ago) he follows JC. Plus, the question JC asks
B is the same that he asked J&J last week.
Still too early for me, doing a lot of reading and germinating ... but
the song that is used as the main theme to Joan of Arcadia (Friday
nights, not to be missed in my humble opinion) keeps haunting me with
this scripture. It is sung by Joan Osborne (no, not related to the
Osbornes), found on her "relish" album, and is entitled "One of Us".
The lyrics are very interesting ...
If God had a name what would it be and would you call it to his face
if you were faced with him & all his glory what would you ask if you
had just one question ...
If God had a face what would it look like and would you want to see if
seeing meant that you would have to believe in things like heaven &
Jesus & the saints & all the prophets ...
Somewhere in all that is this seeing Bartimaeus, looking at Jesus'
face, knowing who Jesus is in ways that even those closest to him do
not yet know ... somewhere in all that is that B knew even before he
asked, even before he saw ...
mm in pa
Just a further thought on the meaning of the name Bartimaeus. Since
the gospel may well have been written in Rome, and since at that point
in the empire the koine Greek used by Mark was, perhaps, the most
widely understood language, and since even the Jewish Christians in
the Roman churches were probably not that familiar with the meaning of
Jewish names, it is quite likely the hearers of Mark's gospel related
the name--even with its semitic prefix "Bar-", to the Greek meaning of
Timaeus--i.e. "honored"--rather than the Hebrew--"foul, defiled,
unclean"--the name Timaeus in Hebrew being, according to The
Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible (1962), a form of the Hebrew name
Timai, which has the negative connotations noted above, and the name
Timaeus probably being more familiar to the Roman crowd of that day
from Socratic dialogue. At the same time, knowing from Paul's letter
to the churches in Rome of the contentiousness between the Jewish and
Gentile Christians in those churches, it's not hard to imagine that at
least one of the Jewish Christians *did*, in fact, know Hebrew (don't
we remember such know-it-alls from seminary?!!) and contributed to an
argument over just this point--the meaning of Bartimaeus' name.
For what it's worth. (Maybe the point is, don't forget what the first
audience is likely to have thought when they heard the story.)
Doug in IL
I've been doing a sermon series on "Life's Lessons". This week my
sermon title is "Life's Lessons: Jesus Christ Superstar" I'm
contrasting who and what the disciples thought Jesus was about and who
and what Bartimaeus thought Jesus was about. As you can guess I will
use scenes from the 1973 classic Jesus Christ Superstar. I'm thinking
I will use the scene where Herod sings "walk across this swimming
pool!" and perhaps contrast it to Mary Magdalene singing, "I Don't
Know How to Love Him".
In one fell swoop Bartimaeus and Mary Magdalene get that Jesus is a
smaller, more personal, an intimate savior than the disciples and
Herod realize. Jesus is willing to be their personal savior, their
personal guide to new life! And then on a grand scale Bartimaeus and
Mary Magdalene see that Jesus is THE Messiah, that Jesus is THE savior
for all time and for every human being. He is more than an agent to
set Israel free from Roman oppression. Jesus is the agent to set all
humanity free for all time and that is what truly makes him a
Superstar! Personal, intimate and yet grand! Awesome!
Diana at the Lakes
KHC - loved your real-life tale; they each were practicing the
antithesis of what they were preaching. Wonder if it was planned that
way?
My congregation and I have the worship discussion frequently. I want
to "enliven" them, but just what does that mean, when you get right
down to it? Does it mean being demonstrative during worship, or does
it mean being contemplative? Each "style" has its drawbacks - those
who are demonstrative can become theatrical, and the contemplative can
become mere observers.
Yet, this is not exclusively about worship. This is about being
hindered in our relationship with the Most High. Worship is simply one
expression of that relationship. We'd do well to consider whether our
prayers are also cloaked, or our receiving Holy Communion, or our
singing (or decision to NOT sing), or our Bible study ... or (insert
any Wesleyan Means of Grace).
ANYONE: where does the term "cloak and dagger" come from?
Sally in GA
Sally in GA, "cloak and dagger" usually refers to spy stuff. The TV
show Alias (which I have never seen but have sure heard about) is sort
of a cloak and dagger set-up. It has to do with espionage, secret
codes, secret agents, etc.
KyHoosierCat
Hello everyone! Found this little nugget in one of my resources and
thought I would share.... Bartimaeus had probably begged in public
places for years. He begged for scraps and was only able to eke out a
bare existence. He knew tht he had almost no other options but to beg
for the rest of his miserable life. Then Jesus passed his way and he
was quick to recognize the wonderful opportunity afforded him. Perhaps
Jesus could do for him what was reputed to have been done for others,
restore his sight. He knew what he had to do, be a beggar for life;
that is, he had to go for broke and not merely beg for a few coins or
a few scraps. He was inwardly constrained to beg for his life. We too
are beggars, helpless to join eternity's procession until Jesus calls
us. We are blind until Jesus restores our inward sight. We must never
settle for a few coins in our hands when we can possess heaven in our
hearts. We truly are beggars for life....
What do you think???? --Bill from Burlington, IA
Sorry - didn't finish the thought. The "cloak" part is because
everything is shrouded in secrecy. Not even the agents know everything
that is being done or planned. Can't trust anyone......
The dagger part is because killing is part of the plan to eliminate
anyone who's in the way. Even your own agents.
KHC
About the cloak... I preached on this passage years ago (1983-85)
While doing the exegesis, I stumbled across an explanantion for the
cloak: beggars used their cloak much as we see modern buskers using
their guitar or violin case, laying it on the groud for passers-by to
toss coins into. Like the violin and the guitar, Bartimeaus' cloak was
his only source of income... of self-sufficiency... as soon as Jesus
calls him, he tosses his cloak away, knowing/believing before he
receives his sight, that he will never depend on that cloak again,
simply because Jesus called him.
Anyway, as to the cloak, all I can think of is the debonair gentleman
of old throwing his cloak over the mud puddle so the damsel does not
get her feet wet!
Why do we throw off our cloaks? Is it to help someone; is it to reveal
who we are, or, more to the point when Jesus is involved, to reveal
who we can become?
I like what another contributor said about the "springing up" to see
Jesus. While springing up and hands raised in praise may be frowned
upon, so is the inward "springing up" by those who prefer the outward
signs. If you do not praise God "my way," you must be doing it wrong.
Just some musing along the way. Thanks for all of your contributions.
It so helps as I stumble along. pbetty
It just so happened that I saw the movie "Bruce Almighty" this last
Saturday as I was already beginning to anticipate this text coming up
this week. I could not escape the scenes in the movie where Bruce
Nolan began to hear voices.
The voices, we find out, were the voices of persons praying. After a
couple of failed attempts to organize the prayers into a handlable
form, he finally settles for a prayer email system. Unable to handle
the requests individually, he answers them in a block. The answer: Yes
- which leads to the obvious consequences.
One of the possibilities for the text is to work with the question,
"How does God hear ME when I am praying - along with everyone else who
is praying?"
It is clear that there must have been quite a throng of folks along
the road that day. Jesus' band of followers were not the only persons
on the way to Jerusalem for passover. My hunch is that the crowd noise
and those calling to Jesus was overwhelming. Still, in the midst of
that throng, Jesus hears the plea of Bartimeaus! - and responds to
him. And once B's needs were articulated to Jesus - Jesus responded to
him at the point of his need.
Because of any variety of life's experiences, perhaps some folks feel
like a lowly beggar in a sea of "righteous" folks when coming to God
in prayer.
Gfource
Thanks, OLAS, for the song by Newton. I think I'll use it. The UM
Hymnal has "restoration" in the form of "Come, ye Sinners, Poor and
Needy." But I might like "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" better.
BEACH SPRING also works. My sermon is falling into place with the
disciples not wishing to "waste time" along the road healing people,
because it takes away from their private teaching times with Jesus
(not realizing this is teaching time). And Jesus yearns to be our
redeemer. To redeem something is to make it worth something. If you
redeem a coupon or certificate, it becomes useful, the equivalent of
cash. Jesus makes something worthwhile of Bart's pain and suffering: a
model for each of us disciples to throw off our own cloaks (I don't
have enough talent, etc.) and spring up to follow him. Jane, Iowa
Isn't it just like Jesus to again respond to someone with a piercing
question: "What do you want Me to do for You?" Isn't that the question
we all seem to want to be asked by God? (When we do our order of
healing, those coming forward for laying-on of hands and anointing
with oil are asked: "What do you want Jesus to do for you?" based on
this verse.) I get concerned that my prayers become TOO focused on
Jesus as the Genie. There to do what I want Him to do for me. Blessed
Bartimaeus, he laid it out in purity -- and received the blessing.
L'Anni in the Hague, NL
L'Anni, I have several parishoners who believe if they pray fervently
enough, their prayers will be answered in the affirmative. They refuse
any thought that God may deny their request. They quote "You have not
because you asked not" as their Scripture point. I'm with you,
however, that we can try to make God into our puppet, and if we pull
the right string, he will do whatever we want. I think life experience
will show us that just doesn't happen, but that doesn't deter these
good folk.....
Bartimaeus was believing without the string- pulling, as you pointed
out. This is what makes his story so compelling. He didn't manipulate
Jesus, he just laid out his request, boldly. We've seen many bold
people in the past few weeks: the Syrophonecian woman, the rich man
who ran to Jesus, James and John, now Bartimaeus. While the meek may
inherit the earth, the bold get an audience with Jesus. ;-)
KHC
Ham in Ill.
The two different names could be a very profound message. That
Bartimaeus, was considered to be defiled or foul, and so left in his
blindness to beg, for all to see, for years. But then was "honored" by
Jesus, in touching him and healing him. He was restored to a life of
honor, of participating with others, no longer condemned to blindness.
The thing that he had been searching for, for years was accomplished
by Jesus, Son of David.
Just some thoughts. . .
Susan in Wa.
Just a bit of artistic addition. I will be making life size
silhouettes of street people (project outline drawings onto newsprint
and trace) to line the entry way into the church as well as several
signs made on cardboard like "will work for food" "Viet Vet, please
help".
Steve Hermes, Lander WY
Does anyone have some ideas on linking this to Stewardship? We're
beginning our campaign this Sunday and I'm still debating whether to
stick with this or choose another text. REVJAW
KHC,
it did the same thing for me a couple of weeks ago, I think it is a
little bug in the system.
Wayne, thanks for the story about man who came into the receiving
line.
HMMM just purchased a black cloak to protect me from Maine winter, you
can hide alot under it.
ks in ME
I am thinking of connecting this with the Job scripture under the
title of "What Is Your Answer?" For both Job and Bartimaeus, their
faith is boldly placed in one they have seen. They are yielded
completely to his will. They believe God can supply as Job begins to
pray in a different direction, for his friends, and Bartimaeus lays
aside his cloak, he is not asking Jesus for money. They both ask for
all God has to give and yield themselves to that fully as Job repents
and Bartimaeus follows. More than anything they want God as He is- not
as a puppet but as all powerful-able to do anything. Gary from
Marshall Tx.
IL preacher asked for suggestions about an interview. You might deal
with some of the things God had done in the past at Jericho. Any good
Jewish person would have known his family history, and especially his
scriptural history.
I would assume that every kid in Jericho would have grown up hearing
the story of God's power in bringing down the walls when the situation
seemed impossible.
Maybe Bartimaeus was hoping that the Son of David could dispense some
of that power his way.
GC in IL
I was thinking about, “Throwing off the cloak.”
In the passages of the last couple of weeks Jesus seems to have been
trying to get a number of people to throw something off… that which
hindered them from really seeing what it meant to follow Jesus.
For the “Rich Man” it was his Possessions. For James and John (et
al.), it was the Prominence they sought For bar-Timaeus it seems to
have been his Predicament – being blind.
Actually, each one of these who came seeking something from Jesus were
facing a serious Predicament, but only “Blind” bar-Timeaus seemed to
see it as such. So, immediately he sprang up, threw it off, received
what Jesus desired to give him and followed.
Sometimes what keeps us from following Jesus is desirable
(Possessions, Prominence), but just as often it is a struggle we face,
a disappointment we endure, a pain we can not let go of. A close
encounter with Jesus should compel us to face the truth of our
situation though – “What is it you want me to do for you?” He wants us
to see that whatever keeps us from following Him is a Predicament – a
cloak… no longer needed – to be thrown off.
just another Tom
ON THE NAME
HAM in IL,
I have no really idea how to answer your question, but perhaps to
those who stood around Bartimaeus, they new his as unclean, or as
soiled, but it his name changed its meaning as he was "honored" with
healing.
Sounds a little far fetched!
tom in ga
To the general posting to Tammy...here I am
It has been a crazy few weeks which I would love to dialogue with you
on. Have some family concerned that my daughter is not assured of her
salvation when the time comes. very long story and one not app. for
here. But things are status quoe. I am preaching this week but we are
doing Reformation, so, I will have to find insight elsewhere this
week. I feel like a trator. :0) Thanks for the prayers and concerns.
More soon. Hate to use this up on personal issue.
Tammy in Texas
L'Anni in Hague - your post reminds me of a real-life example that
happened to a colleague during our CPE residency at a public hospital.
My friend goes into a room and asks if he can do anything for the
patient. The patient says, "I don't know; what can you do?" I still
laugh to think of it - and its profundity.
Sally in GA
Tammy - in case you check back, good to see you again, however
briefly. Sorry to hear about the family issues - and know that we
continue to pray for you.
Signed, one of many who cares
KHC - thanks for the "cloak and dagger" clarification. I'm not sure
it'll work, but the "cloak" metaphor might. I'm touched that so many
have picked up on it.
The way I'm going to use the metaphor is that the cloak represents our
blindness, or infirmity (including sin). Yet, we use it as a "security
blanket" to hide our true selves (thus the cloak part of cloak and
dagger), as if to weigh us down, preventing us from springing up to
Jesus.
And, in the "springing" up to Jesus. It was Bartimaus' way to
"spring," but maybe not everybody's way. Whether or not we literally
spring to our feet, the eagerness to go meet Jesus, when he calls will
be the same. This is difficult to talk aobut with a rather staid
congregation, especially without passing judgment, but that "cloak,"
the "big, bad Methodist Church," "the welfare divas," "Enron,"
"Republicans," or "Democrats," or what-have-you is what we try to hide
our sin behind. We wear it as an infirmity, an infirmity that keeps us
from DESIRING to spring up to Jesus in any way at ALL! It's the
near-refusal to seek spiritual depth in this congregation that I wish
to speak to.
Sorry for rambling; I'm thinking out loud a bit.
Sally in GA
Sally in GA et al,
I love where you're going with the cloak. I actually had a chance to
do a lot of reading today and some of it reminded me of something I
already know by experience and put together with some references here
on this site.
Jericho is hot. Not just a little, but a lot hot. One does not need a
cloak for warmth, even in the evening.
On the other hand, as has been pointed out here and elsewhere, the
cloak was used as a gathering place for the coins and food people gave
to the beggars along the sides of the streets. A blind man in
particular would need that to help him collect things and keep track
of them since he could not see.
The point still is the same: he threw off the cloak, holding all his
"worldly possessions" and the symbol of who he was (past tense) -- the
least, the last, the most unlovely, the truly marginalized in so many
respects -- and he boldly tells Jesus his need ... a true need, unlike
J&J the week before who could only answer that question with "wants."
He threw off the cloak of all that he was willing to leave behind
(even though it may have provided him physical and emotional comfort)
to follow Jesus.
mm in pa
Kind of connected to Sally in GA's cloak-tossing image:
Bartimaeus was SITTING on a roadway. Roadways are for MOVING. This
close to Passover, the roads were likely jammed. Bartimaeus was
virtually immobile in a place where immobility became its own problem.
He stayed there until he saw a reason to get up and move. Then he
sprang into action.
We've all found ourselves sitting when everyone else seems to be
moving. Some of us wonder why our churches won't move in some specific
direction. They seem to be glued to one spot sometime, creating some
problems. What will it take for us to find our reason to get up and
start moving down the roadway in our journey of faith? Jesus has come.
Why do we continue to sit by the side of the road hoping something
good will come our way?
Tammy in TX, you and your daughter are certainly in our prayers.
Eric in OH, where art thou, friend Eric? Thou hast been sorely missed
this fortnight.
KHC
Just a quick note about how are church will celebrate All Saints
Day....
Basically I wrote a note explaining the history of All Saints Day from
Pope Gegory III (731-741)
... this not is an invitation for you to join us for worship on All
Saints Sunday, November 2, 2003 at 10:30 AM in honor of your loved
one, _______. Please send us 4 pictures (a couple fun ones showing
your loved one enjoying the gift of life... and perhaps a couple that
are serious) by Sunday October 26 or Tuesday the 28th at the latest.
Also please include their name, date of death and their relationship
to you. Following the worship you or a representative from your family
is invted to take a rose off the altar. This is a small token of our
symbolic appreciation for theose "Saints" who shared their "faith"
with us so faithfully. Because of them, we are now better able to be
witnesses of God's love in our world today.
We will have an identification slide before each set of pictures...
about 5-10 sec. per slide... The last "slide" will be of some of our
local church founders... phased out and a picture of our youth group
will be included. We may even give each family a "copy" of the video
segment of our worship.
With the LCD projectors it makes this special service easier to view
and to create. My former church celebrated Memorial Day this way, with
slides, but it was more laboring than the scanning of photos into a
computer.
Sorry to interupt the discussion THIS week, but you might still have
time to "try it" in your church(es)...
Blessings and care,
pulpitt in ND
Thank you to many of you both this week and last. Sermon went over
well last Sunday, thanks to a lot of great anecdotes that appeared on
this site last week. Now my brain is churning for this Sunday, and I
am again so grateful to all of you.
I am leaning toward a focus on the voicelessness of bar-Timaeus. He
shouted and shouted, but no one was willing to hear him. Who are the
voiceless in our communities? Who are the ones with great need who we
refuse to hear?
I am reminded of a visit to Russia in 1992. Beggars, many of them
children, are known to flock around tourist sites in the larger
cities. They are often wrapped in bandages and appear to have horrible
injuries or deformities, and they can be quite aggressive in their
begging. For the most part, they are ignored, and several of my fellow
travelers were pretty convinced that they were faking their "injuries"
and were merely trying to get an "easy buck" (or ruble, as the case
may be). But how many of these really desperately DID need help? Their
cries went unheard most of the time (no Jesus around, at least not in
body), and those who tossed them a few rubles were considered
gullible. Not sure where I'm going here, but I can still recall the
fact of a young, dark-skinned boy with one eye.
When people shout and shout when we're in the middle of doing
something else, we tend to ignore them or glare at them or tell them
to "shush!" (The only example I can think of right now is a small
child begging to go to the bathroom, but I don't want to equate Jesus'
healing with letting a child use the toilet!) In our communities, who
is the one who steps up to the plate and is willing to listen?
~Desiree in Sacramento~
It occurred to me just now that we all seem to be focusing on the
blind man getting healed, or in some cases on his status as a beggar.
But what about his BLINDness? To what are WE blind? To what do we need
Jesus to open our eyes?
I am reminded of a family friend who was born legally blind and cross
eyed. He is still cross eyed, but as a child he had surgery to repair
part of his blindness. He once told my dad that the most amazing thing
to him after the surgery was that he could see ants! He had never been
able to see ants before! What is it like to suddenly see when we have
been blind for most of our lives? I can only imagine that it is not
the most comfortable thing to suddenly have sight. Sort of like being
in a dark room and then suddenly going outside into the blinding
sunlight. What pains might we experience when Jesus restores our
sight?
I am reminded of the 1999 film "At First Sight," starring Val Kilmer.
Kilmer's character undergoes surgery to repair his vision, and the
film chronicles the difficulties he experiences as he tries to move
back into the world of the seeing. As I recall, it's not a great film,
but it's not bad, and I may watch it again this week to see if there
are any nuggets of wisdom with regards to blind bar-Timaeus.
~Desiree in Sacramento~
I have to admit that I find this passage about dear Bartimaeus
problematic. I find it problematice because of some prevailing
theologies that look to this "blind beggar" and assume that because he
was a man of little means, a man disabled man of little financial
means, that some how for him to "throw off his cloak"--which meant
that he literally gave up all he had, for I'm sure that what little
monies and bread he had was in the pockets of his cloak--that in
throwing off his cloak he gave up what he had for Jesus. Some would
like to imply that for him to throw off his cloak was easy because he
had little in this world--what an elitist and classs based bias. I'm
still wrestling with what this means in our world, especially in light
of bringing about justice.
I also find this passage problematic in that there also seems to be
this idea that Bartimaeus blindness is somehow a "bad" thing and that
Jesus needed to heal this "poor blind beggar". What is this saying
about people with disabilities? Is our interpretation of this passage
and (end result) sermon somehow oppressive in regards to those with
disabilities? Do we focus on this man’s physical limitation
(disability), and imply that his blindness made him imperfect? in need
of heal? Do we think how awful for this man to be blind? Is our ablest
superiority oozing through, and by qualifying and quantifying this man
by the simple ideas that he was financially destitute and had a
physical challenge—that somehow Jesus needed to save—but save him from
what? Save him for a life of physical poverty? Save him from a life
without sight?
I think that as Jesus has called us to free the oppressed, that in our
sermons we need to becareful to promote justice by being sure that we
do not promote theologies that only serve to oppress those who are
financially poor or physically disabled.
In Christ,
RLS in KY
I have to admit that I find this passage about dear Bartimaeus
problematic. I find it problematice because of some prevailing
theologies that look to this "blind beggar" and assume that because he
was a man of little means, a man disabled man of little financial
means, that some how for him to "throw off his cloak"--which meant
that he literally gave up all he had, for I'm sure that what little
monies and bread he had was in the pockets of his cloak--that in
throwing off his cloak he gave up what he had for Jesus. Some would
like to imply that for him to throw off his cloak was easy because he
had little in this world--what an elitist and classs based bias. I'm
still wrestling with what this means in our world, especially in light
of bringing about justice.
I also find this passage problematic in that there also seems to be
this idea that Bartimaeus blindness is somehow a "bad" thing and that
Jesus needed to heal this "poor blind beggar". What is this saying
about people with disabilities? Is our interpretation of this passage
and (end result) sermon somehow oppressive in regards to those with
disabilities? Do we focus on this man’s physical limitation
(disability), and imply that his blindness made him imperfect? in need
of heal? Do we think how awful for this man to be blind? Is our ablest
superiority oozing through, and by qualifying and quantifying this man
by the simple ideas that he was financially destitute and had a
physical challenge—that somehow Jesus needed to save—but save him from
what? Save him for a life of physical poverty? Save him from a life
without sight?
I think that as Jesus has called us to free the oppressed, that in our
sermons we need to becareful to promote justice by being sure that we
do not promote theologies that only serve to oppress those who are
financially poor or physically disabled.
In Christ,
RLS in KY
RLS in KY,
I appreciate your raising the justice issues involved and bringing an
awareness to us of the possibility of being less than politically
correct about disabilities.
Like the "widow's mite" passage last week, I certainly do not believe
that this story was included in Mark's gospel because either a)people
who had less to lose had an easier time giving it up or b)that Jesus
either criticized large givers or romaticized "smaller" gifts. I
believe that this story is a juxtaposition to the rich man who
could/did not follow Jesus when asked because he could not walk away
from all his possessions. I surely do not think it easy for this man
to have thrown off his cloak which held the only security he had.
I'm not sure that in the passage it says anywhere that B's blindness
was a bad thing. It is surely not Jesus suggesting that, because JC
asks B what it is that B wants from him. It is B that replies he wants
to see again.
I personally can not even imagine preaching a sermon that would
suggest a disability of any kind is a punishment or decreases a
person's worth as a human being. I think it is our responsibility to
be sure that is not heard, and to recognize that restoration of sight
does not necessarily have to do with vision.
There are too many things in this pericope that jump out at us that we
need to pay attention to: that this is the only named person healed;
that there is no touch or words involved ... but that B's faith made
him well; that this whole middle section began with a healing of a
blind man and book-ends with another, that the question asked by JC is
the same as asked in last week's passage ... for such a short pericope,
there is too much to pay attention to.
There are many times in my life that I pray for my sight to be
restored, and my vision is fine (well, aside from the bifocals :)
mm in pa
I've been working as the United Campus Minister at NDSU in Fargo...
Tonight is our Bible Study that I lead. I usually have them talk about
the gospel for the coming week. Tonight was no exception.
We talked about blindness, I asked if anyone knew anyone who is blind?
One of the gals said, "I volunteered after school to help "latch key"
kids at the school. We were playing Monopoly tonight. I didn't even
notice at first that he couldn't see very well. But, one little boy
was having difficulty participating, unkowningly he knocked his
"money" onto the floor. A craby, bully-type kid said, "HEY MAN, what
are YOU DOING?" The vision impaired child apologized and reached down
to pick it up. Another boy stooped over to help pick the money up...
(another second grader) "That's ok," he said calmly reaching under the
table to pick up the other boy's pink bills "we ALL make mistakes!" he
said matter-of-factly. As he helped organize the bills on the table...
. "I drop stuff all the time!"
It was only later that my "student" noticed that the little boy who
had knocked the money off the table picked up his white cane to walk
to the door where his mother awaited him. Probably only 20% vision.
"Your faith has made you well!" Christ comes in many forms... even in
a cafateria after school.
Through the eyes of a child disciple in second grade,
pulpitt in ND
I watched the movie "At First Sight" tonight and did get a good quote
from it:
"One must die as a blind person to be born again as a sighted person.
However, it is the interim, the limbo between two worlds that is so
terrible."
Context: Val Kilmer plays a blind man who somewhat reluctantly
undergoes surgery to correct blindness after being blind since age
one. Much of the film deals with his struggles learning how to see,
how painful that was in many respects. Toward the end of the film,
however, he begins to lose his sight again (after only a few weeks of
being able to see) and ultimately returns to complete blindness. The
quote is a statement made to him by a "vision therapist," a man who is
trying to teach him how to connect what his eyes pick up with reality.
What is it like to see for the very first time?
~Desiree in Sacramento~
It occurred to me that Bartimaus says, "Let me see AGAIN." So I take
this to mean that he once was able to see, that he wasn't blind all
his life. I'm brewing that one to see what it leads to. Also, I
wonder, why didn't Jesus come to him? He was blind, after all! It was
crowded, he could have fallen, he was surrounded by insensitive
people-- perhaps a bully in the crowd may have tripped him. Yet Jesus
calls him to come to him. So he has to stumble in the darkness. The
crowd has to move aside for him, the same disciples who told him to
shut up have to tell him now that Jesus is calling him. I take it as
giving the man dignity. Giving him the joy of being able to walk to
Jesus, however blindly, and then the first thing he sees is Jesus'
face. I would imagine that nothing else mattered.. "crowd? what
crowd?" He was so darn excited, he just had to follow Jesus... and he
follows him right into Jerusalem to the Cross. How many people whom
Jesus has healed are recorded as following. More often, they don't.
What made Bartimaus follow Jesus right into his death when the
disciples who knew about it ahead of time were in serious denial. Just
some thoughts, sparked by yours!! PM in PA
Desiree in Sacramento - thank you for the "At First Sight" allegory.
It reminds me somewhat of the cultural shift in the arena of the
hearing impaired, highlighted a few years ago on ER with the dilemma
one of the doctors faced while trying to decide whether to let his son
have a cochlear implant. It's easy for us sighted, hearing people to
think, "Well, duh! who WOULDN'T want to see and hear?" Yet it seems to
be another form of arrogance.
In our city, the "cloak" would be the shopping cart that holds a
homeless person's grimy worldly posessions. Or a panhandler's
styrofoam coffee cup tossed down, letting the coins scatter. It would
be an abandoned tent pitched under a highway overpass.
Desiree is onto something pretty deep - we resist taking that final
plunge - staying with it through the transition into completeness.
It's why, I venture, so many of us stall out in our spiritual lives at
some point.
Still thinking out loud - and title-less again.
Sally in GA
Just re-read the post and wanted to make the first paragraph a little
clearer.
We hearing and sighted people cannot imagine what it would be like to
be without vision or sound perception. Therefore, we presume that
everyone NEEDS vision and sound perception. It's an arrogant
presumption, when you think about it.
Sally
Sally in GA - Thank you for your contributions to my train of thought.
Your last comments about seeing and hearing people's arrogance in
assuming that the blind or deaf WANT to see or hear goes right along
with the "At First Sight" movie. The girlfriend of Val Kilmer's
character naively assumes that his blindness is a problem and that he
OF COURSE would want to see if he could.
In the scripture lesson, it is pretty clear (I think) that the blind
man does want to see and seeks healing from Jesus. But when I have
read this scripture I have always thought, "Oh, Jesus healed him, and
the formerly blind man, now with perfect eyesight, happily goes on his
way to follow Jesus." But what happened in that first instant of new
sight? Was it "blinding" for him? Surely seeing for the first time
cannot have been particularly comfortable. (Well, okay, it's a miracle
story and Jesus is the healer, so maybe it was perfectly comfortable,
but still...)
I am starting out by talking about all the casual ways we sighted
people use the word "blind." Blind eye, blind spot, blinders, window
blinds. What, are you BLIND?!
My title is "Blind Spots."
Thanks again for your input!
~Desiree in Sacramento~
Bartimaeus is the first person to address Jesus as "Son of David" (a
reference to his being the messiah). Isn't it interesting that a blind
man was the first to truly "see" who Jesus was?
In Matthew's recollection of this story there are two blind beggars
and their eyes are touched by Jesus. Odd.
What I see in Bartimaeus throwing off his cloak and jumping up is a
really strong faith -- he was so certain Jesus would help him he left
his cloak (and presumably his money) behind and rushed to get to him.
I am quite intrigued by the question "What do you want me to do for
you" (quoted that way in all 3 versions of the story). Was this Jesus'
way of acknowledging the title Bartimaeus had used? Bart: "Messiah!"
Jesus: "Yes, that's me. What can I do for you?"
When we pray, are we as aware as Bartimeaus was of who it is we are
addressing?
Just my thoughts for the moment.....great postings this (and every)
week! Janel in ND
Nicky Gumbel in the Alpha tapes has a great illustration on the theme
of not wanting to let go of our possesions/comforts even for the sake
of something better -- like the Rich Ruler and unlike the cloak of the
Bartimaeus.
He did a funeral for a "bag lady" who frequently hung around their
church. He assumed that it would be a very small service and that
perhaps there would be no mourners at all. He was wrong. It turns out
this "bag lady" was extreemely wealthy and as Nicky says: "where
there's a will...there are relatives". There were quite a lot of
mourners. Nicky reflected with some of the relatives on why this woman
who had so much money would chose to continue living in poverty...
sometimes when that is the only life you know it is very difficult to
give it up for the unknown even if the unknown is better. (in
hindsight thinking about this illustration I'm guessing there was a
mental illness there, but it does make the point) KBinAB
In one of Harold Kushner's books he says the primary purpose of any of
the world's religions is to change the way people see. (From hatred to
compassion, from prejudice to understanding).
They called the early followers of Jesus people of "The Way." This
passage ends with Bartimaeus following him on "the way." Social Gospel
people would say that the primary message of Jesus was "The Kingdom of
God." It was about a different way of being in this world - a way of
justice and cooperation and right-relationships, without exploitation,
violence, oppression and individual gain at the expense of others.
Assumately, many in Jerico did not follow Jesus on "The Way." They,
and now we, are blinded to following "the way," and seeking the
"Kingdom of God."
When we benefit from the competitive profit system of capitalism, when
our lifestyle is good at the cost of the environment (and future
generations whom we cannot see), when we help ourselves to the trough
because we are closer and bigger than others, when we turn a blind eye
to systemic injustice because all we carry about is our individual
prayer life or salvation, then we are blinded to being people of "The
Way."
Brent in Pincher
I remember seeing a horse hitched to carriage in Charleston, SC. The
horse was wearing blinders, probably because it had to maneuver
through traffic on narrow streets and the blinders kept it from being
spooked. All the horse is aware of is what is right in front of it.
There is the expression: "Out of signt-out of mind." If the horse
can't see it...it doesn't exist (kind of like what is or isn't on my
calendar). A horse cannot be led to saftey from a burning barn unless
its eyes are covered. But put a blindfold over its eyes so it can't
see the fire and suddenly it doesn't exist..there is no longer any
impediment to reaching safety.
Right now, my congregation is divided over the election of a gay
bishop. Some believe the church has taken a courageous stand, while
others are so angry they are witholding pledges or leaving altogether.
What is most painful is that they are not talking to each other,
taking an "I'm rignt, your wrong" stand. This is very un-Episcopal in
behavior. We have always been a church where the authority of holy
scripture is taken very seriously. At the same time, there have always
been varying interpretations of scripture, which can be all across the
spectrum, and still we have been able to honor and respect each other,
even though we do not agree. We do this, knowing that only God has the
whole truth, and we are just doing the best we can to see through the
glass dimly. We stay in dialog, seeking the mind of Christ together.
Now however, people, especially those who are unhappy about this new
bishop, do not want to even enter into the dialog. It's like they have
blinders on. If I don't see it, it doesn't exist. What do we want for
Jesus to do for us? Somehow I don't think these folks would share
Bartimaeus' desire to see again. Sometimes having fullness of sight
can be a scary thing. We can see things that are new, things that
challenge our world view...and the structures upon which we have
framed our lives.
Somehow I have to weave this into our stewardship commitment Sunday.
HELP!
Susan in GA
Susan in GA. Thank you for sharing the struggle going on in your
church. I read on another internet sermon that a short and meaningful
prayer is "Lord, that I may see." It may be a good sermon title.
I know that I did not see the feminist perspective until I went to
seminary and had some fellow students and teachers impress me with the
realities of Partiarchy. It was a reluctant but necessary conversion.
I know that at one time I strongly resisted the acceptance of
homosexuality. It wasn't until I met very healthy and credible
homosexuals that I began to have my perception changed.
I once would have agreed with spanking, because I did not yet see how
violence meant that I had become resourceless.
I have a hunch that I do not see a number of things. I do not see how
watching professional athletes is much of a problem. I do not see many
of the negative consequences of capitalism. I do not see a viable
alternative economic answer to captialism. I do not see economic
despotism. I do not see how there is greed amoung health care
professionals, and trade unions, and ranchers and the oil industry,
and ministers, that needs a prophetic critique.
Stewardship on this passage? If a steward is someone who is taking
care of another's possessions, surely a good steward is someone who is
open to seeing - themselves, their prejudices, their delusions, a
better way of doing things. I would want a steward who at least knew
they had areas of blindness.
Brent in Pincher
Hi!
It was hinted at in an earlier post that the Bartimaeus story is a
story of call.... "Take heart; get up, he is calling you."
Although I am just a seminarian and would not presume to know enough
to contribute.... I felt compelled to shed some light on this passage
as it is the very story told from a pulpit on an ordinary Sunday that
opened my eyes to my being called to ministry.
It was a very dark time in my life. I sensed God was closing the door
on my business and like Bart. I had no "vision". As the preacher told
the story, I totally identified with Bart. I was the blinder beggar on
the side of the road....life was passing me by and I was stuck - blind
to how to proceed. The only thing I had faith in was that Jesus had
the answer.
I offer for your consideration that anyone who is truly in the dark
and begging Jesus for an answer will literally jump at the chance to
speak with him when personally summoned. Those who boldly seek Jesus
gladly discard their cloak - for they believe that what Jesus has to
offer far exceeds what they leave behind.
Could it be that the greatest significance in this story is that after
Bart's sight was restored he followed Jesus? .... He could have just
said, thanks and go along on his merry way.... but he didn't because
those who have seen Christ face to face can't take their eyes off of
him. A personal encounter with Jesus is that compelling!
JK in TN
And picking up on Brent's post regarding stewardship, when Jesus opens
our eyes, we can see beyond our own personal needs. People who are
near-sighted (literally or figuratively) tend to focus on what's close
by, their own perspective (at least that's my experience as a
near-sighted person..) When God opens our eyes, we can see a bigger
picture, the needs of the world, and what God is doing in the world.
And if we truly see the needs of the world, it puts our own needs in
perspective, and we are more willing to give of ourselves and
resources to God's work. Pray that our eyes may be opened.
DGinNYC
I've been thinking a little about the moment when Bartimaeus (who had
insight but not sight) opened his eyes and saw Jesus'face. (I'm
assuming that is the first thing he saw.) Fredrick Buechner's "the
faces of Jesus"into says this, "Like you and me he had a faace his
lige gave shape to adn that shaped his life and other's lives, and
with part of ourselves I think we might turn away from teh mystery of
that face, that life, as much of thetime we turn away from teh mystery
of life itself. With part of ourselves I think we might avoid meeting
his real eyes, if such a meeting were ppossible, teh way that at
certain moments we avoid meeting our own realy eyes in mirrors becausr
for better or wrose they threaten to tell us more than we want to
know...Jesus' face is like the faces of the poeple we love, it has
become so familiear that unless we take pains we hardly see it at all.
Take pains to see. See it for waht is is and , to see it whole, see it
too for what it is just possilbe that it will become. The face of
Jesus as the face of our own secret and innermost destiny. " When
Bartimaeus, the defiled one, (with insight enough to call J. Son of
David) receives his eyes adn sees Jesus' face, he has sight and even
more, he looks into the human face of God and has insight into what
Jesus' intends for all of us to become.
Jackson, in MI
JK in TN,
Amen and amen.
Most of the resouces and commentaries I have read have indeed felt
this was more a call story than anything else and for that very
reason! Well put. He followed Jesus "on the way."
mm in pa
Jackson in MI,
Which Frederick Buechner book does that come from? Great find.
mm in pa
Ky HoosierCat,
Good news! The young mom in my congregation that I asked you to pray
for re: possibility of bone cancer), had a blood test yesterday to see
if there was the presence of a particular hormone or protein, (or
something)that would indicate cancer. It came back clear! Thanks for
your prayers. Now she is going to an orthopaedic specialist to see
what is really going on in her hip and shoulder.
Susan in Wa.
To JK in Tenn,
For "just a seminarian" that was awesome! We love anyone to share
perspectives and thoughts here. Please don't apologize for being a
seminarian. There are some of us who have been ordained for a long
time who need the fresh perspectives, not tainted by seeing the same
things in the commentaries etc. Your experience is profound.
Susan in Wa.
I'm just starting my sermon for tomorrow afternoon at 5pm (!) but
wanted to make a quick comment about names. My research indicates that
the exact meaning of Timaeus is less important than the fact that the
character is identified by his "full name" and that is another
indication of the importance attached to the account. As you know,
most first century people did not use "last names" as we have them
now--preferring the son of/daughter of construction (if you are
familiar with classic Russian names it helps make sense out of this).
So to call him Bartimeus son of Timaeus, or Bartimeus bar Timaeus, was
like calling him by his first and "last" name, and very few people in
the gospels are referred to in this way.
I'll be back tonight pulling my all-nighter, or either I'll get up at
4 or 5 after a brief night nap and I'll probably be back on the board
then.
My mom is still in the hospital although her condition is a little
better. She is being transferred to a nursing facility today. Dealing
with hospital paperwork and the logistics of getting her set up in the
new place will take up the entire afternoon and evening and keep me
from being able to work on the sermon (except in my head, which is
important) until late tonight or early tomorrow morning.
Thank you all for your support.
Babypriest in MA
It's good to read your words again after 5 weeks away, doing a
stewardship program, still teaching people that it's ok to talk about
money in church! (Duh.)
I'm struggling with this text, in part because I feel so willfully
blind and/or cloaked myself. All the talk about jumping up and
following after Jesus--it's not a style clash for me, so much as hard
to imagine when I am so aware of my sin, my unwillingness to take the
next step in my life.
My sister (both of us preacher's kids) has drifted toward a
charismatic-type church, and I know what she would say about this. She
would say this is about claiming God's promise, which some have
mentioned earlier. It's the issue of loudly calling out to God for
mercy, knowing our need of God. Because as many ways as I choose in
any given day to follow my own way, I also know that Jesus walks and
is the Way.
So I sit in the middle of the road, with my eyes squinched together
tight. And maybe Bartimaeus had more faith than I; maybe his blindness
was not his own fault, as mine is. But I can at least do what he
did--knowing my need, I can shout out for mercy. And I can hope that
the image of God in me will carry the rest of me!
Sorry to be so melodramatic. Just kind of in a hard place and
wondering how I can preach authentically about following Jesus.
Laura in TX
As one who has been blind, I understand the urgency of Bartimeaus. My
blindness was temporary, a few weeks in duration which has occured 5
or 6 times, but the adjustment was difficult. I now have one glass eye
(actually it is plastic!) This effects my perception, especially
depth. What I think I see is not what is actually there. My perception
gives me a distorted view. The miracle is that my brain automatically
reprogramed itself to seek out different clues to discover where
things are located.
What troubles me most is not variations in perception but when images
are projected upon others. Some folks are so invested in their
projections that they refuse to see what is really there. As a pastor
I experience this. People only see what they want to project upon the
position of pastor rather than discovering who we are what we are
about. I have spend 7 years with some folks who still do not "see" the
real me! (And it is not for a lack of explaining who I am or where I
stand.) This kind of blindness is severe. A W-G rocky coast Me.
It's always so good to read your exchanges on this site. I don't often
write, as I rather ponder the great variety of thoughts presented
here. This week's thoughts are as good as usual. I like to look at
this story from a different perspective. The dynamic between those who
were following Jesus and Bart calling out for help, for attention. It
bothers me that followers of Jesus would "sternly order him to be
quiet," to remain invisible. In this world, I'm afraid, people
standing on the sidelines are treated badly by the "followers of
Christ." I like the image put forward on this sight about "throwing
off the cloak of one's past." The church needs to allow people to
leave their past rather than judge them by it (grace?). Also, how many
people are shushed because they are social embarrassments, gay,
extremely poor, scandalous histories....and so on. I guess my point
for us to ponder is: are those followers of Jesus (in this Sunday's
text) so unlike us? Peace and Joy, Francis (from MI)
JK in Tenn - welcome to the site, and thanks for your input! I think
your post wove together the two threads I've been trying to weave
together and simply too busy and distracted this week to "see" it!
Next, someone talked about not "seeing" alternatives to capitalism,
watching sports heroes, and the like. However, I humbly ask you to
consider this: Bartimaus was not BORN blind, as in Jn 9. Bart had seen
before - your allegory is from the perspective of one who hasn't ever
had vision.
Sally in GA
To Everyone who has expressed their frustrations and concerns this
week: I haven't responded to you all individually, but know that
whenever I read a post like that I pray for you right then and there.
We need to hold each other up in prayer - and I trust that others are
doing the same for me. This is our little cyber-community of faith.
Peace be unto you.
Sally in GA
KyHoosierCat
I'm only now putting my sermon together (Saturday afternoon) and came
across your nursing home account... I think that was you. Dialogue is
the best way to grow. My old Youth Minister from a previous parish,
burst into our house (I was gone), my teenaged son didn't recognize
him, but he (Chuck) pushed past my son (you'd have to know Chuck) and
told my son, "I'll just wait!"... my son thought he was some homeless
guy or something... my friend, Chuck, left as he could see my son was
uncomfortable, but still didn't say who he was...
Then when my son realized who he was... he laughed at his initial fear
of him...
you had to be there...
thanks for all your input once again!
pulpitt in ND
