Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”  “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
—Mark 10:46-52

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Perfect Sight
By Jennifer Kane

Blind and poor, he sits by the road—
empty hands, empty heart, longing for light.
He cannot see His beauty,
he cannot buy His grace;
spiritual poverty and darkness
chained his soul–
More so even than the physical.

But mercy walked his way.
The Savior drew near.
He cried, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
He stopped. He called.
He rises, casting aside every weight.

One touch—eyes open.
He sees.
Possibly for the first time.
And the first face filling his vision
is the One worth following forever.

That is perfect sight.

~~~~~

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52

Bartimaeus was a blind beggar—two conditions that perfectly reflect our spiritual state without Christ. Spiritually, we are blind, unable to see our true need or the beauty of Christ’s salvation, and poor, with nothing to offer God but empty hands. Just as Bartimaeus sat helpless by the roadside, we too are powerless to save ourselves and in desperate need of mercy.

Bartimaeus could not see Jesus perform miracles, but he heard the stories—especially of how Jesus healed another man born blind. This sparked hope in his heart. Faith begins with hearing the truth about Jesus (Romans 10:17). If Bartimaeus believed after hearing a single story, how much more should we trust after hearing the full gospel and countless testimonies of God’s power to save?

When Bartimaeus heard Jesus was passing by, he did not wait for a calmer moment. He cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many tried to silence him, but his desperation made him cry even louder. This is faith in action—refusing to let the moment pass. We must never delay in coming to Jesus; the right time is always now.

Bartimaeus’ prayer was short, urgent, and sincere. It did not contain beautiful phrases—it was the raw cry of a needy soul. Prayer that reaches Jesus does not depend on polished language but on a heart that truly hungers for Him. Like Bartimaeus, we must keep crying out despite opposition, distractions, or doubts.

When Jesus called Bartimaeus, he did not linger. He threw aside his cloak—likely his only earthly possession—and hurried to meet Jesus. To follow Christ, we too must be willing to let go of anything that holds us back, trusting that what we gain in Him is far greater than what we leave behind.

Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus could have been vague, but he answered plainly: “Rabbi, I want to see.” God invites us to pray with the same boldness and clarity. Whether it’s salvation, forgiveness, spiritual renewal, or physical healing, we must come to Him in faith, believing He can and will respond according to His perfect will.

The moment Bartimaeus received his sight, he didn’t return to his old life—he followed Jesus down the road. True spiritual sight always leads to discipleship. The “perfect sight” is not just the ability to see physically, but the vision to recognize Jesus as the greatest treasure and to walk with Him daily.

Are you spiritually blind? Poor? Hesitating to call on Jesus? Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Don’t let fear, pride, or sin silence your cry. Call out to Him now, as Bartimaeus did. The Lord never turns away a seeking soul.

~~~~~

Lord Jesus, I am blind without You. Open my eyes to see my need, my heart to trust Your mercy, and my feet to follow You. Remove the things that hold me back, and give me the perfect sight that belongs to those who seek You. Amen.

August 2 2025