Freedom in Christ: Mark 10:49-52
Once we are given freedom in Christ, what will we do with the rest of our life? Will our life stay on the same trajectory with subtle changes to our thinking? Will our life take a radically different trajectory as new thoughts and desires are introduced? Where will the journey with God take you?
Jesus stops, hears the commotion from Bartimaeus, and calls him over. Jesus notices when we call to Him. He takes heart. Even though Jesus is on His way to complete the most significant task since the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden, He pauses to note Bartimaeus.
When Jesus and Bartimaeus meet, Jesus asks a simple question: “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus replies equally as simply: “Restore my sight.” Bartimaeus says this like he’s ordering lunch or talking casually about the weather. Restoring one’s sight is no small task, but Bartimaeus makes the request like it is nothing. He’s not being prideful here; he is demonstrating faith. Bartimaeus has such confidence in Jesus that the grand impossible suggestion feels like a simple ask.
Jesus tells Bartimaeus to go on his way because his faith has made him well. This is where the cool spiritual events take place, and they are easy to miss. First, notice that Mark doesn’t say Jesus touched Bartimaeus. Jesus simply says the word and Bartimaeus is healed. Jesus doesn’t need a mantra. He doesn’t need an action. Much like God in Genesis, Jesus speaks truth into reality.
Also notice what Bartimaeus does. Jesus tells him to go on his way because his faith has made him well. I don’t think Jesus is being dismissive here; I think Jesus is giving Bartimaeus freedom. He is giving Bartimaeus a choice. If Bartimaeus wants to go home, start his new life, celebrate with his family, and be a living testimony to Jesus’ power, then Jesus has given Bartimaeus the power to do so.
This isn’t what Bartimaeus does, at least not in the short term. Instead of leaving, Bartimaeus follows Jesus. I’m sure he does eventually go home, but he starts his new journey by following. Here is a beautiful picture of discipleship. Bartimaeus has been given an incredible gift to live his life with an entirely new set of experiences. With his sight restored, Bartimaeus is no longer reliant on anyone. He could absolutely do his own thing! How does Bartimaeus begin? Bartimaeus begins by choosing to submit to Jesus and following Him.
Submission is important for followers of Christ. In Christ, we are given more freedom than we can imagine. Through Christ, we can live free of what used to hold us down and keep us mired in sin. Our freedom isn’t in question. The question is, once we are given freedom in Christ, what will we do with the rest of our life?
