Have you ever felt like life has left you sitting on the sidelines, just like the blind beggar in Luke 18? I know I have. There are times when I’ve felt stuck, just going through the motions, waiting for something to change. But the Holy Ghost never misses—He always brings to my memory that Jesus is near, and if I cry out to Him, everything can be different.
When I first read the story of the blind beggar, what really stood out to me was when Jesus asked him, “What can I do for you?” That question immediately sparked a conversation with my husband. I asked him, “If Jesus asked you that, what would you say?” Of course, he got really deep with his answer, so I quickly aborted the mission and went to bed! But when I woke up this morning, the Holy Spirit prompted me to go back and dig deeper.
The Recap
The story of the blind beggar, also known as Bartimaeus in Mark’s Gospel, is one that I find deeply inspiring. It’s a story of faith, persistence, and the incredible power of calling out to Jesus. This account in Luke 18:35-43 speaks volumes about what it means to truly believe and take action, no matter the obstacles.
Recognize the Opportunity
Jesus is on His way to Jericho, surrounded by a crowd. The blind beggar, unable to see, rely on his hearing his whole life. Heard that Jesus was passing by, and immediately, something stirs within him. This is his moment. He heard the stories of miracles and healings—and now, here is his chance. Without hesitation, he cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18:38).
What strikes me is that the beggar didn’t hesitate. He responded immediately. He didn’t just sit there hoping something might happen—he took action. I think about how many times I’ve heard about God’s power and goodness, yet how often do I respond with that same urgency and faith? This man knew who Jesus was, and he wasn’t going to miss his chance to connect with Him.
Refuses to Be Silenced
But of course, it wasn’t easy for him. The crowd around him wasn’t supportive—they tried to shut him up, telling him to be quiet. Imagine how easy it would have been for him to give up, to feel insignificant, or to think, “Maybe they’re right. Maybe I should be quiet. Maybe I’m not worth Jesus’ time.” But instead, he did the exact opposite. He shouted even louder! He wasn’t worried about what people thought because they weren’t his focus—Jesus was.
Jesus Matches His Response
And it worked. The scripture says that when Jesus heard him, He stopped and commanded that the man be brought to Him. Now, here’s the part that clicked in and made me smile: who do you think helped him get to Jesus? Probably the same people who were just telling him to be quiet! Isn’t it funny how God works? Those who tried to silence him ended up being the ones ordered to help bring him to Jesus.
This reminds me that God can use anyone and anything to fulfill His purpose. Even those who stand in our way can end up being the very people God uses to pick us up and bring us closer to Him. The blind beggar didn’t let pride or resentment get in the way—he accepted their help because he knew his goal: to get to Jesus.
Lessons in Faith and Persistence
This story challenges me to think about how I approach my own faith. When life gets tough, when the voices around me try to silence my faith, do I shout louder, like the blind beggar? Do I keep my focus on Jesus, trusting that He hears me and will respond? Or do I let the noise of the world drown out my cry for help?
The blind beggar’s story reminds me that faith isn’t just about believing—it’s about acting on that belief, even when it’s difficult. It’s about knowing that Jesus is near and refusing to let anything stand in the way of getting closer to Him.
So, like the blind beggar, I’m learning to shout louder, to persevere in faith, and to trust that Jesus hears me. No matter the obstacles, I know that if I keep my eyes on Him, He will respond. And I hope that you’ll be encouraged to do the same. Keep crying out, keep believing, and know that your faith is what moves the heart of God.
