MARK 10
The tag line for the website, "a blind beggar following on the way," comes from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 10. At some point I want to write more about this, but in brief, I ought to simply say that the story of Bartimaeus is a key way I understand my life. Jesus healed his blindness, making him able to see the radical manna and mercy of God's reign come near. In response, he followed Jesus on the way. I am inspired by Ched Myers' work on this passage, and on Mark's gospel as a whole, in his poweful commentary Binding the Strong Man. Here is the passage from Mark . . .
Mark 10:46-52 (The Message)
They spent some time in Jericho. As Jesus was leaving town, trailed by his disciples and a parade of people, a blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, was sitting alongside the road. When he heard that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by, he began to cry out, "Son of David, Jesus! Mercy, have mercy on me!" Many tried to hush him up, but he yelled all the louder, "Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!"
Jesus stopped in his tracks. "Call him over." They called him. "It's your lucky day! Get up! He's calling you to come!" Throwing off his coat, he was on his feet at once and came to Jesus. Jesus said, "What can I do for you?" The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." "On your way," said Jesus. "Your faith has saved and healed you."
In that very instant he recovered his sight and followed Jesus down the road.