Jesus' Way, Our Way

46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:46-52 

What do you need? That is a question no poor or disabled person has ever had trouble answering. For us, our needs are obvious; the trouble is picking which need is the most urgent! This is also true for people who are new in our country, as they need almost everything—work, a place to live, education, transportation, new skills like driving and speaking English. Jesus’ question “What do you want me to do for you?” has a dozen answers, all of them urgent.

During this time before Jesus’ second coming, we stand in his place, trying to care for his people, including new Americans. God works through us to meet their needs and to introduce them to the Savior who met their most important need—the need for everlasting life—by dying and rising for them. Why do we care for them this way? Well, because we love them. But also so that they may respond the same way Bartimaeus did when Jesus met his need: Jesus told him to “Go your way,” and Bartimaeus “followed [Jesus] on the way.” From that time on, Jesus’ way was Bartimaeus’ way too. 

Dear Lord, work through us to care for newcomers, that they may see your love and follow you. Amen.

By Dr. Kari Vo