Scripture

Jesus said to him, “Go for your faith as healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.

Observation

Jesus and His disciples pass through Jericho. As they are leaving, a blind man called Bartimaeus, calls out to him, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” People tell Bartimaeus to keep quiet, but Jesus tells them to bring him to him. The crowd tells Bartimaeus to cheer up and go to Jesus.

Jesus asks him what he wants and Bartimaeus responds, “I want to see.” Jesus tells him, “Your faith has healed you.” The man is instantly healed and he follows Jesus along the road.

Application

Do not be afraid to seek healing of body or soul.

The word here for healing is the same word for salvation, in Greek sozo. Jesus says, “Your faith has healed you.” In other places the same phrase is translated “Your faith has saved you.”

Salvation and healing are part of the one package. Jesus died on the cross, and we are told that by His stripes we are healed.

There are many reasons why a person is not healed. A lack of faith is one of them. We must trust that God will do what He has said He will do.

Mark loves the word “instantly” or “straight away” or “immediately”. In Greek it is all the one word. When Jesus is a round things happen quickly.

Listen

Lord, there are times when I pray for healing and nothing happens. Why is this?

Keith, the key is faith. Many people believe in the abstract sense of healing. They assent in their heads to the proposition that I can heal people. But when they consider, “Will I heal you?” they are uncertain and unbelieving. Bartimaeus knew in his heart that I was going to heal him right there and then. That is the faith that heals.

It is exactly the same as salvation. A person can believe in the facts of the gospel, they can enjoy the religious dimensions of worship, but they do not believe in their hearts that I will save them.

Faith is always particular. It is always applied to this person and this time.

Trust me for your salvation, trust me also for healing.