Because Jesus responded to the shouts of Bartimaeus in a way that surprised the people: Jesus stopped, and called Bartimaeus over. And then he asked Bartimaeus a strange question: “what do you want me to do for you?” I'm blind, isn't it bloody obvious?! Maybe so, but Jesus gives Bartimaeus the agency to ask for it specifically - “my teacher, let me see again.” In this way, Bartimaeus asks to be USEFUL again. Bartimaeus asks to be SELF-RELIANT again. Bartimaeus asks to be RESTORED...and then Jesus declares to him that his faith has made him well. Although Bartimaeus was PHYSICALLY blind and could not determine visually that Jesus was near him in the flesh, SPIRITUALLY he saw clearly that Jesus could heal him. And Jesus restored his physical sight, so that Bartimaeus could then follow Jesus to Jerusalem.
Are we willing as individuals to confess our SPIRITUAL blindness, and call out to Jesus for restoration? If we are, then we as a church can do the same. Are we willing as individuals to ignore those who sternly order us to be quiet? If we are, then we, as a church named after Martin Luther, can do the same. Are we willing as individuals to ask Jesus specifically for CLEAR SIGHT, above all else? If we are, then we as a church can do the same. And then, we will find ourselves USEFUL again for God's kingdom, because we will be focused on Jesus again. We will find ourselves SELF-RELIANT again, with enough for generosity, because we will be committed to the kingdom of God. And we will find ourselves ABLE to FOLLOW JESUS to Jerusalem, because he will inspire us again through the power of his death and resurrection.
Gracious God, help us and our church to be useful again for your kingdom, as we put our trust in you for clear sight, in Jesus' name, amen.