Who was Bartimæus?
Bartimæus was a blind beggar whom Jesus healed near Jericho, as recorded in the Gospel of Mark. His name, Bartimæus, comes from the Aramaic bar meaning “son” and Timai (or Timaeus), which may mean “honor” or “highly prized.” Therefore, Bartimæus means “son of Timaeus.” He is one of the few recipients of healing in the Gospels whose name is preserved, indicating the significance of his story in the early Christian community.
Biblical References
Bartimæus appears in Mark 10:46–52, where his healing is recounted in detail. Parallel accounts of Jesus healing blind men are also found in Matthew 20:29–34 and Luke 18:35–43, though the number of blind men and narrative details differ slightly. Mark’s Gospel, however, gives us the most personal portrait, naming Bartimæus and emphasizing his persistent faith.
Mark 10:46–52 (NIV):
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…
The Healing of Bartimæus
As Jesus was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a crowd following Him, Bartimæus was sitting by the roadside, begging. Upon hearing that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47). Though others tried to silence him, he cried out all the more.
Jesus stopped and called him. Bartimæus threw off his cloak—a significant action for a beggar—and sprang up to come to Jesus. Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimæus replied, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Jesus said, “Go, your faith has healed you.” Immediately, Bartimæus received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
A Closer Look: Faith, Mercy, and Discipleship
Persistent Faith
Bartimæus demonstrates remarkable spiritual insight. Though physically blind, he sees Jesus for who He truly is—“Son of David,” a messianic title. His boldness in crying out reflects deep conviction, not mere desperation. His faith is not in a generic miracle-worker but in Jesus as the promised Messiah.
A Cry for Mercy
The cry, “Have mercy on me,” echoes the pleas of many who approached Jesus. It acknowledges human need and Jesus’ power to meet that need. Bartimæus didn’t ask for status or riches—he asked for mercy, the heart cry of one aware of both his physical and spiritual poverty.
A Model of Discipleship
After receiving his sight, Bartimæus immediately followed Jesus. He went from sitting in darkness to walking in the light—literally and spiritually. His response contrasts with others in the Gospels who received miracles but did not become followers. Bartimæus models true discipleship: recognizing Jesus, trusting Him, and following Him.
Cross-References and Supporting Scripture
- Isaiah 42:7 – “to open eyes that are blind,” a prophecy about the Messiah.
- Psalm 146:8 – “The Lord gives sight to the blind.”
- Luke 7:22 – Jesus‘ proof to John the Baptist that He is the Messiah includes “the blind receive sight.”
- John 9 – Another account of a man born blind being healed, emphasizing spiritual as well as physical blindness.
- Matthew 20:29-34 and Luke 18:35-43 – Parallel accounts, with Matthew mentioning two blind men.
What Bartimæus’ Story Means for Today’s Christians
Bartimæus stands as a powerful example of faith that refuses to be silenced. In a world where voices of faith are often pushed aside, his persistence challenges believers to boldly cry out to Jesus despite opposition or delay. His immediate response to follow Jesus challenges half-hearted or self-centered versions of belief.
His story also reminds Christians that Jesus hears the cry for mercy. No one is too insignificant, and no cry goes unnoticed. The crowd tried to quiet him, but Jesus stopped the whole procession to meet him.
Finally, his healing signifies more than physical restoration. Bartimæus was brought out of darkness into the light, and this is the journey every believer takes through faith in Christ.
How Bartimæus Points to Jesus and the Gospel
The account of Bartimæus is a picture of the gospel at work:
- Blindness represents the spiritual state of all people apart from Christ.
- Crying for mercy reflects repentance and faith.
- Healing and following Jesus show the result of salvation—restored vision and a new life as a disciple.
Jesus did not merely restore physical sight; He revealed Himself as the Messiah who comes to save. Bartimæus’ faith, his recognition of Jesus’ identity, and his response point directly to the transformative power of the gospel.
Broader Biblical Themes
Spiritual Blindness and Sight
Scripture frequently uses blindness as a metaphor for spiritual ignorance and rebellion (Isaiah 6:10; John 9:39-41). Jesus came to give true sight—understanding of God, salvation, and the kingdom.
The Messianic Mission
Bartimæus calls Jesus “Son of David,” tying Jesus to the covenant promises of a coming King who would heal and restore His people (2 Samuel 7; Isaiah 9:6-7).
The Nature of Faith
Faith in Scripture is often shown in action, and Bartimæus’ persistence and response show that true faith calls, trusts, and follows.
Mercy and Grace
His plea for mercy encapsulates the heart of the gospel: God’s undeserved kindness toward sinners. Jesus’ response affirms that mercy flows freely from Him to all who ask in faith.
Reflection Questions
- What does Bartimæus’ story teach us about how to approach Jesus in prayer?
- In what ways might you be spiritually “blind” and need to cry out for mercy?
- Are there voices—internal or external—trying to silence your faith? How can you respond like Bartimæus?
- How does your faith move you to action? Are you following Jesus on the road after receiving His grace?
- What does it mean for you personally to call Jesus the “Son of David” and to recognize Him as the Messiah?
Bartimæus’ transformation from blind beggar to faithful follower continues to shine as a testimony of the mercy and power of Christ. His simple yet bold cry—“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”—remains a model prayer for every heart seeking salvation.