“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.’” (Mark 10:46-49)
In Mark 10:46–49 Jesus upended popular opinion that the kingdom of God was more important than attending to the concerns of those on the margins. While Jesus was leaving Jericho with a large crowd, a blind beggar attempted to capture his attention. The text notes that “many rebuked him and told him to be quiet.” While they were absorbed with setting up Jesus’ kingdom, they missed an opportunity that defined the very purpose of that kingdom. Perhaps they were caught up in the logistics of Christ’s mission and were endeavoring to keep him on schedule. Little did a blind beggar have to offer them. Yet that’s what defines true servanthood. We love and serve those who cannot give back. We empower the voiceless who have been silenced by those in power. We restore sight and dignity to the lost and outcast. Serving leaders fulfill their significant mission by directing attention to the seemingly unworthy.
KEY QUESTIONS: When have I been so busy attending to details or logistics that I missed an opportunity to serve? Where in my world are the voiceless, oppressed, or outcast? How could I restore dignity to those on the margins?
