Clay in the Hands

Last night, I had the opportunity to offer a devotion to a group of men who serve as deacons in our church.  The passage I selected was Mark 10:46-52 – the healing of blind Bartimaeus.

Jesus was headed to Jerusalem for what would be his last trip before his crucifixion.  He had already told the disciples a number of times what would happen but they were still not comprehending what was about to take place.

As they passed through the city of Jericho, a man called out for Jesus’ attention.  Jesus was surrounded by a group of people so the man’s cries went unheard at first.  Those nearest the man told him to be quiet but that just made him call out more adamantly and loudly.

When Jesus heard the man, he told him to come near.  At that invitation, Bartimaeus leapt to his feet, through off his cloak and came to Jesus only to be faced with an odd question.

The man’s need was obvious – he was blind.  But Jesus asked him the question anyway, “What do you want me to do for you?”  Bartimaeus did not really need to think about it – his response was, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

There is so much packed into this little episode recorded here.  Jesus asked an obvious question and I think he poses the question to us as well.  Jesus wants us to think about what we need that only he can fulfill.  I don’t see this is as a question of what we want or desire but rather a probing question that causes us to realize our deep and utter dependance on Jesus.

As we each search our own souls today asking ourselves what we need from Jesus, may we, like Bartimaeus, respond – Teacher, we want to see.  

Perhaps our prayer today should be:

Teacher, help us see.  We want to see what you would have us see.  We want to see you and understand you more fully.  We want to become more aware of what you are doing in our lives and in the world around us.  We no longer want to go through the motions, we want to live fully aware of your presence!  Help us to see!