Luther Seminary

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

Archives for October 23, 2003

Thursday, October 23, 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

On his way to the Passover celebration for his final trip to Jerusalem, Jesus passed through Jericho. It is here that Jesus performed his last miracle, healing a blind man named Bartimaeus. The son of Timaeus believed that Jesus could heal him and his faith was vindicated when Jesus cured his blindness with a word. There was no special touch or ointment, only a word.

It is said that Martin Luther’s last written words were found on a scrap of paper after his death. "We are all beggars; that is true." We are all in need of the healing and compassion of Jesus. We are all blind, deaf and speechless in various ways. We are ignorant of our neighbor's needs and our Lord's wishes. Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. In response to his love and in emulation of his life we are called to do the same.

Prayer

God of miracles and love, let us respond to your love by reaching out to our neighbor. Give us the gifts of generosity, compassion and love to live our life as your servants. Amen.

Charlie Axness First Lutheran Church, Mandan, N.D.