Becoming Like Jesus: Confession and RepentanceSample

A Blind Beggar

As we learn more about the spiritual disciplines of confession and repentance, there may be some of us who are uncomfortable with using the word beg when talking about asking God for mercy. Today, we’re going to look at a blind beggar who cried out to Jesus for mercy. As we do, our eyes will be opened to how much more we have in common with him than we would probably guess.

Let’s dive in.

Pray…

Jesus, thank you for being so merciful and kind. You hear our cries and respond with love. Heavenly Father, strengthen us today. Holy Spirit, comfort us with your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Read…

“When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.” Mark‬ ‭10:47-52‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Consider….

Bartimaeus was a blind beggar who cried out to Jesus to be healed. He literally begged for mercy. This wasn’t just some quiet pleading on the side of the road. He was shouting into a crowd of people. It was so obnoxious that the people around Jesus were trying to get him to stop. But this blind beggar just yelled louder. “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

When Jesus heard him crying out, He stopped and called Bartimaeus to Him. Finally standing in front of Jesus, Bartimaeus says, “I want to see!” And Jesus responds with mercy. He heals his sight.

So, how are we like Bartimaeus? Before he met Jesus, he was physically blind. Before we met Jesus, we were spiritually blind. That’s what sin does. It traps us in a spiritual darkness that prevents us from seeing ourselves, others, and even God clearly.

Before Bartimaeus met Jesus, he was a beggar, sitting alone on the side of the road. Before we met Jesus, we were cut off from God, isolated from the very relationship we were created for. That’s what sin does. It separates us from God and isolates us from other people.

But Jesus flips all of that on its head. He gave sight to Bartimaeus and life to us. After he was healed, Bartimaues didn’t go back to sitting alone on the side of the road. He followed after Jesus. When we have been rescued from the darkness of sin, we don’t go back to where we used to be, we follow Jesus wherever He leads.

This is why we beg for mercy. Because we are like Bartimaeus. We’re blind beggars on the side of the road. And Jesus is near. When we cry out to Him for mercy, He hears us, He calls us, and He heals us.

Practice…

Stop trying to get cleaned up or cover up before you come to God. He can handle your mess.

Bartimaeus, a blind and filthy beggar, didn’t stop to take a shower or put on a different shirt, he threw off his cloak and ran to Jesus. Jesus didn’t reject him or shame him. Jesus healed him. And Jesus wants to do the same for you. Cry out for mercy today.

Listen…

Find a quiet place where you can continue to spend time with God. Maybe you have a favorite chair, a certain spot in your backyard, or a particularly cozy closet. Wherever you need to go to limit distractions, do it.

Set a timer for five minutes. Ask God to speak to you. When you get distracted, come back to God by praying this Scripture:

The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. Psalm 145:8 NLT

When the timer ends, thank God for the time you spent together and go into your day looking for opportunities to love Him and love others.