But here’s what Bartimaeus was good at. He knew how to beg for mercy. And he knew who to beg from.
Our king came down to serve his peasants. The master of heaven came to give us the most precious thing he had. He came to give us himself – to give up his dying breath, so that we could be filled with His Spirit of life.
With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.
He urges you to become a little, humble child, to rest in his arms, and to receive his blessing.
Following Jesus means we need to follow His Word – not our opinions or our emotions.
Those who have followed the devil’s pattern are in grave danger of sharing in the devil’s punishment.
Jesus carefully defines that the greatest thing that a human can be is a humble servant.
For you and I, there’s no disaster too small, it could still have the power to throw us into doubt and despair. But for Jesus, there’s no disaster too big, that it would undermine the secure hold he has on his people.
Jesus is not just a teacher. He is not just a moral example. Jesus is the God of glory, come down in humble human flesh, to save you.
Self-denial and suffering aren’t the ultimate goal. Following Jesus is the goal.