Jesus leaves Jericho, the oldest city in the world, known as “the city of palm trees”, founded 9,000 years B.C. and located approximately 240 meters below the level of the Mediterranean Sea.

 

Jesus leaves Jericho, the oldest city in the world, known as “the city of palm trees”, founded 9,000 years B.C. and located approximately 240 meters below the level of the Mediterranean Sea. His disciples and a large crowd go with him. It is interesting because, despite this crowd, which has no name, someone is named. Mark mentions a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, whose father is Timaeus, and who was sitting by the side of the road. This information is important for the evangelist, since he not only gives the name to the person, but also mentions the name of the father, his living conditions and his position. Giving a name means perceiving his dignity, his value, his importance. Then, by mentioning the name of the father, he indicates his genealogical importance, his lineage. Then, stating that he was blind, a beggar, and sitting by the side of the road indicates a condition of total dependence, of extreme need for both light and food. Until recently, blind people often had only one option: begging. Thank God, that has changed a lot. There are visually impaired people who have not only overcome this, but have also developed a broad inner vision. Being on the side of the road means that they were waiting for the possibility and a manifestation of mercy from someone else.

2. “When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’” That was the decisive moment in his life. He wanted to be heard by the One who came to restore the dynasty of David, the Davidic Messiah (cf. Is 35:5ff; 61:1), the true king, merciful, liberator, capable of giving sight to the blind and freeing captives from their prisons. Bartimaeus was certain that this Messiah was Jesus, and for this very reason he was not intimidated, he cried out louder, asking for compassion, because he was a needy person, a sinner, someone who wanted to see. His insistence became more intolerant, because there was a crowd preventing him from being heard and, in addition, “many rebuked him to be quiet; but he cried out all the louder”. He was insistent, objective, attentive to the Messiah, completely abandoned to His will. He was with someone on the high seas, depending exclusively on a life preserver; he could not lose him at that decisive moment. 3. “Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take courage, get up, he is calling you.’” Nothing can prevent Jesus from listening, no obstacle is capable of making Him indifferent to the cry of those in need, the noise of the world is insufficient to divert the attention of the Liberator from those who cry out to Him with true faith. Jesus stops, stands firm and listens to the cries of Bartimaeus. Some are sent to meet him with the mission of bringing him to Jesus. All those who walk with Jesus have the mission of inviting those they meet to an encounter with the Savior. No one can go unnoticed by the Christian eyes and ears. Nothing should prevent the call to those in need, not only of bread, but especially of Light. The first thing they should do: take courage; the second: “rise up”. Why? He, the one you are waiting for, hears you and calls you. At Jesus’ call, Bartimaeus immediately dropped what he had, such as his cloak, which was important to him, a protection day and night, and which also served to keep insects and animals away, and also to receive coins. He stood up firmly, jumping up, a sign of someone who had found the meaning of his life and threw himself fearlessly and willingly into the new that was presented to him. Jesus knew of his need, but, turning to him, he wanted to hear from him, leaving him at ease, allowing him to have a humble, courageous and clear dialogue: “What do you want me to do for you?” “Master, let me see!” Jesus demanded faith from him, total adherence, placing himself absolutely in the hands of God. 4. “Go,” Jesus said to him, “your faith has saved you.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.” The blind man of Jericho received the illumination of salvation, his life was transformed by the action of God and his decisive response to the Lord’s will. Through faith, Bartimaeus achieved his salvation and became a true disciple, surpassing all others. Here we find those whom Jesus wants by His side. Thus, it must be Peter, who denied Jesus; it must be John and James, who did not understand Christ’s logic when they expressed their desire to sit on the right or left of the Master; it must also be the other apostles who had the same mentality as John and James regarding the political Messiah; and it could also be anyone who did not understand the condition of life required by Jesus to live as His disciple. The blind man of Jericho is a sign of insistence, persistence, decision, availability and faith for everyone; it is a way of conversion and discipleship. In short, Jesus listens to each person, no matter how difficult the situation, and through firm adherence to Him, transforms them into true disciples.