Consider the Word, October 21, 2021

Consider the Word, October 21, 2021
 
Readings for October 24:

• Job 42:1-6, 10-17
• Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22)
• Hebrews 7:23-28
• Mark 10:46-52

 
Collect

Lord God our redeemer,

who heard the cry of your people

and sent your servant Moses

to lead them out of slavery,

free us from the tyranny of sin and death,

and by the leading of your Spirit

bring us to our promised land;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 
Reading: Mark 10:46-52

They came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stood still and said, "Call him here." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; get up, he is calling you." So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said to him, "My teacher, let me see again." Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

 
Reflection Questions

1. How might this story be an illustration of discipleship?
2. What deeper spiritual reality might Jesus be teaching us in this healing story?

 
Closing Prayer

O Jesus Christ, teacher and healer,

you heard the cry of the blind beggar

when others would have silenced him.

Teach us to be persistent in prayer

and give us courage to ask plainly

what we need from you,

that we might respond in your name

by the power of the Spirit

through the ministry entrusted to us

for the sake of the gospel. Amen.

 
The Message: Mark 10:46-52

^46-48 They spent some time in Jericho. As Jesus was leaving town, trailed by his disciples and a parade of people, a blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, was sitting alongside the road. When he heard that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by, he began to cry out, “Son of David, Jesus! Mercy, have mercy on me!” Many tried to hush him up, but he yelled all the louder, “Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!”

^49-50 Jesus stopped in his tracks. “Call him over.”

They called him. “It’s your lucky day! Get up! He’s calling you to come!” Throwing off his coat, he was on his feet at once and came to Jesus.

⁵¹ Jesus said, “What can I do for you?”

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

⁵² “On your way,” said Jesus. “Your faith has saved and healed you.”

In that very instant he recovered his sight and followed Jesus down the road.

The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson