Sunday 25 October 2015

Psalm: Psalm 126

Background

Mark 10:32-52 is the prelude to Jesus'sministry in Jerusalem. It relates a pilgrimage to the verge of thecity (Jericho was only 15 miles away). It also shows us in advancehow to interpret everything that is to happen in Jerusalem. In thefinal section, about Bartimaeus, three themes emerge: faith,salvation and discipleship.

Faith principally comprisesdetermination and tenacity. It will not be deflected by hostileresistance. Faith rids itself of every encumbrance: Bartimaeusthrows to one side the only tool of his trade as a beggar, thecloak in which he collected alms. Faith is focused on directengagement with Jesus: it is a plea for mercy, a yearning to stateone's deepest need - with the expectation that Jesus can make adifference.

Salvation for Bartimaeus meantrecovery of sight: an extraordinary gift! His story encouragesreaders not to be slow or cautious in asking for big changes intheir own physical or social circumstances. They will also pleadfor inward change, from darkness to light - insight, knowledge ofGod's love and forgiveness, and inner moral transformation.

Discipleship: Bartimaeus followedJesus 'on the way', ie on the road to Jerusalem and in adistinctive way of life - service of others, extravagantgenerosity, suffering and self-sacrifice, even martyrdom ('takingup a cross' (Mark 9:34-35)). Notice that the model fordiscipleship is not one of the Twelve but a socially excludedpauper!

Bartimaeus still had much to learn. Jerusalem wasa hotbed of revivalism centred on the ideology of David.Jerusalemites looked for the coming of David's kingdom (Mark11:10) and supported militant terrorists against Roman rule,like Barabbas (Mark 15:6-15). It was assumed that pilgrims tothe City of David, like Jesus, shared these hopes. So, being partof this culture, Bartimaeus' first effort to capture Jesus'attention was in the words "Son of David" (meaning 'someone whosupports our cause') in verse 47. But Jesus would not be thusimprisoned (11:27-33; 12:17; 12:35-37; 14:61-62; 15:32).

To Ponder

• Reflect on the question of Jesus, as if it were addressed toyou personally: 'What do you want me to do for you?'

• Some of our petitions seem not to be answered, or not answeredin any straightforward sense. How does your Church and its teachinghelp you to make sense of that?

• In what ways is your congregation open to socially-marginalpeople? What is entailed in your learning from them about newfacets of discipleship? (Try to fill out your thinking with realexamples.)