Bartimaeus and Another

Jesus and His disciples continued up the road to Jerusalem. They passed through old Jericho, the ruins of the city of the Old Testament. And as they were leaving, a large crowd was following them. Down the road, about two miles, was new Jericho—the palaces that were built by the Hasmonean dynasty and, later, by Herod the Great, and the city that built up around them. As they drew near to new Jericho, there were two blind men sitting beside the road, begging. One of the men was named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus. When the blind men heard the crowd going by, they asked what was happening.

The people told them, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”

So, they cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

The people that lead the way admonished the two men to be silent, but they cried out all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

Jesus stopped and said, “Call them.”

So, the people called the blind men. “Take courage!” they said. “Get up! He is calling for you.”

Bartimaeus threw off his cloak and both men jumped up. They made their way to Jesus and the people guided them. 

When they were brought near, Jesus asked them, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

They answered, “Rabboni” (meaning Master or Teacher), “let our eyes be opened.”

Jesus was moved with compassion. He touched their eyes and said, “Receive your sight!” And immediately they received their sight.

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” 

The two men followed Jesus along the road, glorifying God. And all the people who saw this gave praise to God.

See Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43

Notes:

1. coming or going: The Gospel of Matthew records that the encounter occurred after leaving Jericho but the Gospels of Mark and Luke record that the encounter occurred while approaching Jericho. How can they all be correct? Biblical scholars have given several explanations. The one that seems most logical to this editor is the fact that there were two Jerichos in the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the old city, and the new city.

2. one or two men: The Gospels of Mark and Luke focus on one man that was healed, and Mark names the man (Bartimaeus). But the Gospel of Matthew tells us that while one man got most of the attention, there were actually two men that were healed.