From Blindness to Sight: Bartimaeus & Saul’s Story Part 1: Bartimaeus (Daily Devotional)

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52

Thought: The moment you call His name, everything changes… So, throw off what hinders—He’s calling for you.

Devotional:

Two men. Both blind. One sat by the roadside, begging. The other traveled a highway of power and prominence.

The first man, Bartimaeus, was a beggar bathed in despondency, with no earthly hope for his blindness. The second, Saul of Tarsus—wealthy, educated, self-assured—was spiritually blind, zealous in his mission to destroy the followers of Jesus. You’ll find their stories in Mark 10:46-52 and Acts 9:1-30.

Scripture reveals little about Bartimaeus: his name, his blindness, and his location outside Jericho. But what we do see is profound. The moment Bartimaeus heard that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by, he cried out, “Son of David, Jesus, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47). In using the Messianic title Son of David, Bartimaeus revealed his belief—he may have only heard stories of Jesus’ miraculous power. Still, hope had already taken root in his heart.

Still, his blindness prevented him from seeking Jesus himself. Bound to the roadside, likely mistreated, marginalized, and overlooked by society, despair must have been his daily companion… until he heard the name that carries hope—the name of Jesus. (1 Peter 1:3-4)

Bartimaeus didn’t yet know the depths of his faith—but everything changed when he encountered the living Son of God. And isn’t that our story too? Like a blind man stumbling through the shadows of grief, regret, addiction, pride, or fear—when we finally meet Jesus, His light pierces through the fog. His presence reaches into the darkness, offering transformation, healing, and hope.

Scripture tells us: “Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ So they called the blind man and said to him, ‘Have courage! Get up; He’s calling for you.’ He threw off his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.” (Mark 10:49-50)

That moment—the throwing off of the coat—was more than physical. It symbolized laying down everything that hindered Bartimaeus. Are you ready to do the same? Ready to release the comforts, self-sufficiency, and fears that keep you spiritually stagnant? Only when we lay down what holds us back can the healing begin. Only then does Jesus’ light flood our spiritual blindness, illuminating the path to transformation.

“What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

“Rabbouni,” the blind man replied, “I want to see!” (Mark 10:51)

I believe Bartimaeus longed for more than just physical sight—he desired spiritual revelation. And Jesus delivered: “Your faith has healed you.” Immediately, he could see and began to follow Him on the road. (Mark 10:52)

Friend, Jesus still asks that question today: “What do you want Me to do for you?” How will you respond? Are you desperate for a faith-infused, transforming relationship with Him? Are you ready to relinquish control—the illusion that prevents us from fully seeing and following Jesus?

The same promise offered to Bartimaeus is offered to you: Abiding faith in Jesus unlocks salvation, healing, restoration, and spiritual growth.

How desperate are you to let go of the shackles of blindness? To see with eyes wide open—to witness truth, freedom, and the radiance of God’s transforming love?

Like Bartimaeus, may you throw off what hinders, respond to His call, and walk the road illuminated by His presence. That is my prayer for you today.

(See Part 2)