Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “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 (New International Version, NIV)

Bartimaeus, a blind man, was begging at Jericho. Jericho speaks of a stronghold. He heard Jesus and cried out for mercy. When we’re in a stronghold made from life’s circumstances or our choices, we need to cry out to Jesus for mercy. Psalm 136 tells us to give thanks to God for His mercy, which is based on His love for us.

God responds to our cry- our cry for help, our cry of faith. When Bartimaeus came to Jesus, he threw off the cloak that identified him as a beggar. If life has turned you into a beggar, feeling like you have nothing of value in your life, cry out to Jesus and become a believer. And if you’re a believer, know that God’s children never have to beg.

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psalm 37:25 (KJV)

When we shout out to Jesus for mercy, it stops Him in His tracks and gets His attention. Take your eyes off of yourself and your situation. Don’t be blinded by life’s difficulties. Just call out to the Lord. And when He asks you what you want, throw off your beggar’s coat and don’t identify as a beggar anymore. When we rely on Jesus, He will give us all we need. Our faith in Him brings it- and we can be free to follow Him.