Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. This was spoken to a man on the road to Jerusalem, and it speaks to us today. If not for Jesus, this relatively unknown man would not be known today. Blind Bartimaeus—what a life. He’s now known by the whole world. How can he matter? Jesus passed by. If you think you’re a nobody, that can all change when Jesus passes by. Cry out like Bartimaeus.
Luke 18:35 “And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: 36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. 37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. 38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, 41 Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. 42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.”
If you could change anything that now you cannot, what would it be? What is out of your reach? If it was offered, would you be willing to receive what it takes? The truth is you can be changed. There is deliverance. The impossible is possible. Is it a situation? Is it a prayer request not asked amiss? Is the devil working hard, and you’re about to cave in? Someone is passing by, and he is the same who passed by Bartimaeus over 2,000 years ago. He was known as Jesus of Nazareth. Now after his death, burial, resurrection, and ascension he is the Jesus of Glory, the Good Shepherd, the Healer, the Deliverer, the Conqueror; he’s Alpha and Omega. He’s passing by this morning.
Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem for the last final time before his death. He didn’t wait until he got there to help this man. Bartimaeus was by the wayside, and he cried out. Now if you feel you’re by the wayside, it’s not Jesus’ fault. You’re there because you’ve chosen to stay there. Perhaps, like Bartimaeus, you feel that things cannot get any better for you. Jesus doesn’t always wait around, so what are you waiting on? Are you saying “when he deals with me in a certain way I’ll get saved” or “when it’s time, I’ll get saved?” The Bible says today is the day of salvation; now is the accepted time. Jesus is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. He has the ability to do whatsoever you ask. He’s the embodiment of God and is exactly what you need and hope for. Not only does he have it, HE IS IT! When we receive Jesus, we receive all we’ll ever need.
What do you want Jesus to do for you? Jesus looked at this blind beggar. He was dirty. He could look right into the sun and see nothing. That’s the condition of man without God. One can get to the point of distress and not know what to do. Jesus passed by the very road Bartimaeus was on. Due to his blindness he wasn’t allowed to be in the middle of the road. He would most certainly be run over by a Roman soldier’s horse or chariot. Think about yourself. Have you spent too much time on the wayside? Jesus is coming down the road and asking “what do you want me to do for you?” What would you say? “I need” or “I want” ….what is it? Jesus knows.
Bartimaeus accepted the fact he was blind. He was a beggar. He had only the money that was given to him on the streets. He was an outcast and poor. He was too far from the Jordon River to bathe; he wouldn’t even know which direction to go. We don’t know how to be saved. The best Bartimaeus could hope for was the little bits given to him. Jesus knows what you need. Are you interested in it? If you want to live any way you want, do things on your own, and control your own life, then Jesus can’t help you. If we can do it on our own, then why aren’t we perfect? Society is becoming barbaric; we digress. We’re smart but ignorant in heart. Some think going to church is all that’s needed; some think religion is the answer. If this is all the help you want, you’ll not get what you need. Jesus can help if you want to be free from all that.
Bartimaeus heard the commotion and asked what it meant. Jesus is waiting for us to ask. He can do all. God is still on his throne. Life may not be the best right now for many reasons, but our life is a mess without Jesus. We are nothing more than blind beggars without the Lord. Bartimaeus couldn’t see Jesus, but he had heard about him. He took advantage of the opportunity. Don’t miss yours. He cried out in the midst of all the noise. Only those near him could hear, but the man in the middle of the crowd heard him. Do you want Jesus to show himself? Cry out to him. I was not saved by quitting this and that. I had a life that would scare most people. I knew a lot of things, but I didn’t know how to pray. At church that night I did all I needed to do. I cried “Lord, save me.” Jesus stopped right at Bartimaeus; he stopped right by me, and he’ll do the same for you. If you think your pitiful cry won’t be heard, it will.
Jesus silenced the crowd that day. He issued the command and call for Bartimaeus. Jesus has issued a command and a call for you. Though blind, he made it to Jesus because Jesus made sure he could be found. He’ll make sure you find him. In the quiet Jesus said “what wilt thou that I should do unto thee?” Jesus is calling. Can you hear it? He knew what Bartimaeus needed, and he simply asked him. In turn, Bartimaeus honestly and simply answered him—“Lord, that I may receive my sight.” Jesus said “receive thy sight; thy faith hath saved thee.” All of a sudden eyes that were blind had 20/20 vision. In a moment, at the command of Jesus, he was different. The blindness left his soul, went to his heart, to his mind and to his eyes. His faith saved him, and the first thing he saw was the Lord.
Bartimaeus didn’t go back to the wayside. He followed Jesus and was never the same again. Imagine, one moment a helpless, hopeless beggar by the roadside. Then, an instant later, he is a full-fledged disciple of Jesus, walking right beside Peter, James, and John! He’s passing by here. You can’t see him, but he is here. The devils of hell want to keep you quiet, but cry out. You’ll know what to say.
Your Savior is passing by whatever roadside you find yourself on. Whatever your condition is today, Jesus is passing by. Don’t let him approach you and walk on. Many of the sick in Jesus’ day were not healed because they didn’t cry out to him. Just cry out for Jesus of Nazareth; the King of Glory is passing by.
He will hear. This is why He is passing by your roadside spot today.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 