Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. (Mark 10:46-52)
Multitudes claim to follow Jesus, but most of the people are not united with his heart and his purpose. When you seek that which only God can give, do not ask men for permission, and do not accept their verdict. Their doctrines and attitudes are often contrary to Christ, undermining his teachings and his wishes, and his way of doing things. If you want something from Christ, then go to him directly and ask in faith. Do not let his followers stop you. Do not listen to their excuses and vain arguments. When the religious leaders say “No,” Christ often says, “Yes!” When his disciples say “Stop,” Christ often says, “Come!”
People are interested in safeguarding their opinions and traditions much more than they are in showing you compassion. In fact, they would murder you if you threaten the doctrines they invented. But if they are not interested in helping you receive from Christ, then why should you pay attention to them? Shout louder. Press harder. Do not settle for unauthorized underlings. Do not submit to preachers who are powerless or theologians who are full of unbelief. Demand a direct audience with Jesus Christ. Ask from him without doubt and without shame. If you will seek him according to his word, he will answer you according to your faith.
And let us not be disciples who claim to preach Jesus but hinder people from coming to him because of our unbelief, personal agendas, false doctrines, and religious traditions. Let us never be so out of touch with the heart of God that we become stumbling blocks to those who come to ask from him. Jesus Christ is not our slave or our property. Anyone can approach him in faith according to his word, and this one will receive according to his faith. Therefore, instead of opposing the ministry of Jesus, and instead of rebuking someone who seeks his mercy and power, thinking that we know better, let us help this person. And instead of saying, “Restrain your fanaticism! Abandon your false hope!” let us encourage his faith and say, “Stir up your faith! No one who hopes in Jesus will be disappointed. I also believe that he can help you, and that he will reveal his mercy and power to you. Come, I will bring you to him!”