Two men wanted to ask something of Jesus when He was passing near. One man was a ruler of a city and very rich; the other was very poor, begging for his food, as he was blind. The ruler was a young man, and the beggar may have been also, for his father’s name is told in Mark 10:4646And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimeus, the son of Timeus, sat by the highway side begging. (Mark 10:46).
Both of these men had heard of Jesus and His miracles and wisdom, but the ruler did not think Jesus was sent of God, for he called Him only, “good Master,” which meant, teacher. The blind man thought that One who could do so great things, was the promised Messiah, for he called Jesus, “Son of David” which meant, the Messiah King.
The ruler came to ask Jesus what he could do that would be rewarded with eternal life. He said he had always done all as written in God’s law. Jesus told him something to do to prove how he kept those words: to go sell the riches he had, and give to the poor, and to come follow Him.
The young ruler did not want to do that, so he really did not keep the law, which said to love the Lord with all his heart and his neighbor as himself. He wanted his wealth for himself, not to help a poor neighbor; if he had loved God, he would have believed His promises of the Holy One to come, and he would have followed Jesus.
The Poor, Blind Man
The poor blind man knew he was helpless, but he believed from what he had heard that Jesus had power to make him see, and when he learned He was near, he cried out for mercy. When those around him tried to keep him still, he called out more for mercy. That meant he knew he did not deserve anything, but he believed Jesus was kind.
When Jesus called for him to be brought to Him, and the blind man heard His voice, he seemed to know Him to be greater than King; he called Him, “Lord.” How kind and willing the Lord Jesus was to do for the poor man; at once He asked him, “What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?” And He spoke the word so that the blind man could see.
The answer of the Lord made the rich ruler sad, for he wanted eternal life, but he wanted his wealth more, and returned to it, and did not follow Jesus, nor praise God.
The answer of the Lord made the poor man very happy. He did not return to his ways, but followed Jesus and praised God.
Is there anyone who can do such good deeds that he could earn endless life with God? No, it can be had only as a gift to those who believe God’s Son. So it is best to feel ourselves helpless, like the poor, blind man, and ask the Lord for mercy. He believed the Lord Jesus, obeyed and followed Him and was happy.
Suffering Ahead
Jesus and those with Him were then nearing the city of Jerusalem, and He told the twelve disciples the wicked, cruel way He would be treated there: He said He would be “delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked and spitefully treated, and spitted on, and they shall scourge [whip] Him and put Him to death.” Yet the Lord Jesus kept on His journey to suffer for us all.
Further Meditation
1. How do we know the young ruler wanted the wealth for himself?
2. The Lord often puts simple little tests like irritable people, thoughtless guests, or demanding friends in our way to bring out something in our hearts. What are some examples of people in the gospels who responded well or poorly to these challenges?
3. If you’re meditating on the way the Lord is using trials in your life, you might find In the Potter’s Hands: Pressures, Trial and Fire in the Path of Faith by D. Nicolet a simple and practical help.