Luther Seminary

A daily devotion brought to you by the alumni of Luther Seminary

Saturday, April 12, 2003

Mark 10:46-52 (NRSV)

Read Mark 10:46-52 on biblegateway.com

Verse 46They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. Verse 47When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Verse 48Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Verse 49Jesus stood still and said, "Call him here." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; get up, he is calling you." Verse 50So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Verse 51Then 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." Verse 52Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

Devotion

“Son of David, have mercy upon me!” Bartimaeus recognized his Lord and Christ proclaimed, “Your faith has saved you.” Are we able to call to our Lord for mercy in this last week before his death? Through our human eyes, can we see the downtrodden, sullen Jesus who walks towards Calvary as our God? Or are we like those who only worship splendor on Palm Sunday? It takes a hopeful spirit to call upon Christ at any time. Let our hearts focus on the hope that Christ’s death on the cross bears for us and all humanity.

Prayer

Though our hearts often desire what you, O God, despise, let our faith move us to humbly desire love and peace for your people. Amen.

Josh McGuffie Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, Calif.

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