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We come to these closing sentences in Luke Chapter 18. Immediately following this conversation with His disciples where Jesus Christ made it very clear that He was now focussed upon going up to Jerusalem, they approached Jericho, and a blind man is sitting begging. Mark tells us his name is Bartimaeus. There arose a noise and Bartimaeus asked what was happening, and some said, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by”.

He called out, “Jesus Son of David, have mercy on me”. Those who were leading this procession gave the blind man a row. “Be quiet. Sh! Sh! Don't make such a noise.” Were they embarrassed? Were they annoyed? Did they regard Jesus as their property - for them alone - for their procession in Jericho? And anyway, why should this tramp take up the precious time of Jesus?

Bartimaeus was crying out for mercy, and they were saying "Sh! Sh!" He shouted all the louder. He was blind! His sight depended upon his meeting Jesus - Jesus Christ, the King.

It must have been quite noisy. Whose voice was Jesus going to hear? This was NOT the setting for a healing, but Jesus was not upset or concerned about the setting.

How great is your need at times? What do you really need from Jesus? Is there something that only Jesus Christ can give? Is there something that you need to meet Jesus about? If that is so - you are in the right place.

Blind Bartimaeus sowed a seed - he sowed a request - he sowed a prayer - and soon, for him, there would be a HARVEST.

To the crowd he was just a nuisance - a pest - a tramp. Some people may regard you as that at times. Does it matter? There comes a point where we no longer have to think about what people my think of us. To Jesus, he was someone in need, and Jesus always has time for the person in need – for the person who really needs Him.

Verse 41 - Jesus calls for him and asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” Well Jesus, it is not rather obvious? But sometimes Jesus wants us to spell it out. Blind Bartimaeus's need is so desperate that he is unafraid and unashamed to make it all public. When we come in sheer need, Jesus Christ comes in sheer Grace and Mercy and Love and Power.

Kingdom power flowed. Kingdom sight was given. Kingdom discipleship resulted.

The Kingdom of God had broken through into Bartimaeus's life.

Jesus meets this blind man's need, and in one sense this blind man could see more than all the others put together. He had faith to see that Jesus could heal his sight. What a harvest from that prayerful seed - that prayerful request - that prayerful shout.

Verse 43. He went on to follow Jesus. He went on to praise God. He was so open to change. His life would now take on a totally new shape - a different form. And, the people who were present - when they saw the miracle - they too praised God.

When people rise up and praise God - that is always meaningful - significant.

What a harvest - what a miracle - and it all began with someone who sounded just like a nuisance, but he cried for mercy to the right Person. His prayer was NOT just a polite correctly worded nice sentence - No - No.

Bartimaeus wanted to see, and he didn't care how he sounded, if it were going to get him his sight back. He was for real. He was desperate, determined and persistent.

When Jesus met his need he went on to follow Jesus. What a future - I am sure he had not planned for whatever the future held for him.

As Jesus touches you - blesses you - speaks to you - heals you - forgives you - feeds you - ministers to you - follow Him all the way - to Calvary and beyond.

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

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