Not many people have the intelligence to distinguish needs from wants. More people are exchanging necessities for wants. For example, our body needs energy, food not only for energy sources, but also for the maintenance of the cells in our body. Our body needs a good balance of nutrients to not only be energetic but also fit and healthy. In fact, in the name of desired pleasure, we sacrifice necessities.
Bartimaeus is different from most people. This child of Timeus knew what he needed. When his voice was heard and he was directly facing Jesus, Jesus asked: "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind Bartimaeus – who most people in this condition use as capital to earn money – knows what he needs most. Can see!
His efforts to be restored can be seen from the time this blind man heard of the coming of Jesus across his territory until he exerted all his strength to get the attention of the Son of David. He cried out with all his might: "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Why did this blind man call Jesus "the Son of David"? Yes, in the context of that time the title "Son of David" can be understood differently. Some simply refer to Jesus as a descendant of David, as well as other descendants of David. Others argue that the title "Son of David" may refer to Solomon, the son of David who was not only known for his wisdom and greatness, but also for his ability to heal sickness. But for many Israelites, "the Son of David" is the figure of the Messiah whose long-awaited coming will restore the glory of the Kingdom of Israel. Whatever it was, for Bartimaeus, Jesus was no ordinary man.
Although they were asked to be silent by those who accompanied Jesus on the way to Jerusalem. Bartimaeus flinched, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" His shouts were not in vain. Jesus stopped! How important Jesus' journey to Jerusalem was to accomplish the Father's task. However, hearing the cry of the Blind Man, Jesus stopped and asked His followers to present him. The blind man immediately took off his robe – don't think the robe of greatness, this is a beggar's robe! This robe symbolizes Barthymus' attachment to a place, status and helplessness as a blind man. Immediately afterwards Bartimaeus was right in front of Jesus.
"What do you want me to do for you?" This rhetoric opens up opportunities for the blind. Jesus knew what he needed most. However, he still left open the opportunity for Bartimaeus to ask for something else, such as money or food that was usually expected by the beggars who lined the streets of Jericho leading to Jerusalem. That street is commonly passed by pilgrims who will celebrate Easter in Jerusalem. Focusing on his needs, Bartimaeus asked Jesus so that he could see.
This time Jesus did not use His soil or spit to open Bartimaeus' eyes. "Go, your faith has saved you!"Immediately Bartimaeus could see! See, Jesus confirmed the faith of the Blind Man. That is, Jesus confirmed the conviction of Bartimaeus. That faith is the recognition that Jesus is the Son of David, in this case Jesus is not just by descent the Son of David, or a name associated with Solomon who can heal sickness. Bartime's faith believed that Jesus was the Messiah. It was the Messiah who brought every outcast back to God's love, including "... among them were the blind and the lame,..." (Jeremiah 31:8).
For Bartimaeus, vision is much more important than money as a form of compassion from others. The faith of Bartimaeus that Jesus justified did not just stop when he was restored, being able to see. He proved the faith that was accompanied by thanksgiving by accompanying Jesus to Jerusalem! Bartimaeus didn't want to sit on the side of the road anymore and begged. Bartimaeus is an example of a person who has experienced recovery. It is no longer alive and depends on its past. Bartimaeus seemed to know that Jesus was going to Jerusalem. In the midst of a power struggle among the disciples about who is the biggest. Bartimaeus is present as an anti-thesis. He accompanied Jesus even to the crucifixion.
Not many people like Barthymus knew what were the basic needs of his life. Most of us pursue desires: wanting to get rich, be powerful, enjoy the pleasures of life, and so on. In fact, that is not what will lead us to true happiness. Our prayers are often manipulative, as if they are a person who is really on sale. However, in fact it is God's arrangement to fulfill our every desire, not a need! It could be that what God does not grant is all our desires, and when that happens we become angry, angry, disappointed and leave God.
Believe me, the Lord will listen, as He stopped from His journey to Jerusalem to listen to Bartimaeus' request. He will hear every prayer for restoration from us. Clearly, God wants us to recover! Reflecting on Barthymus' recovery, God first wants us to be restored, to be able to see His work of love in Jesus Christ. Many people have difficulties, even blindness to God's love and care. This blindness is first of all caused by selfishness, excessive selfishness so that no amount of God's love is enough to be thankful for. We fail to see that God places our spouses: husbands or wives, children, parents, brothers: brothers or sisters, even everyone we connect with is a visible form of His love, as well as a place where we love.
Our main need to be restored is how through them God loves us. And, through all the series of events, both joys and sorrows there, He designed His plan for peace.
"Have mercy on me, O Son of David!" is an expression of awareness that something is not right. Sick! Only a person who feels and is aware that he is sick, he will seek recovery. It is impossible for a person who feels fine or healthy to long for recovery. What is recovered, my person is not sick?
The realization that we are sick will prompt us to seek the true Savior. Yes, God is the one who is able to restore. God is the one who can heal the sickness in our family!
A sign that we and our families are restored, looks like Barthymus. Jesus told him to go. Eh, in fact, he continued to accompany Jesus to Jerusalem. Bartimaeus shed his attachment to the "beggar's robe". It is no longer an object of compassion for the people who want to make a pilgrimage. Now, he is a pilgrim!
The characteristics of us and our families that have been restored are no longer individuals who continue to cling to the past by making themselves sufferers and victims of injustice. Flaying victim! Instead, they are now formidable individuals to walk with Jesus even to the height of His suffering. Those who Jesus has restored are those who fill their lives with pilgrimage, interpreting this life as a journey rather than a life goal. Walking with God will encounter surprising things but it will also be a place where we restore one another!
Jakarta, October 24, 2024 Ordinary Sunday year B
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