MARK 10:52: “And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.” NLT
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OBSERVATION: Have you ever wondered what the connection between faith and healing was? Have you ever heard someone say – “Just believe you are healed and you will be healed!” This statement usually is supported by a verse like Mark 10:52. What other conclusion can you come to when you read Jesus’ own words,

“Go, for your faith has healed you.”

The answer to this dilemma is discovered only as we begin to study this verse in its full context. In the Gospel of Matthew, Matthew notes that there were two blind men. However, Mark only focuses on Bartimaeus. Why? It was because it was Bartimaeus who began to cry out to Jesus as he was walking down the road.

This is the first key to understanding Jesus’ statement in verse 52. Bartimaeus, blind and unable to see Jesus, is the only one in the crowd who truly “sees” Jesus!

• “Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark‬ ‭10:46-48‬ ‭NLT‬‬

While those around blind Bartimaeus saw Jesus, they did not acknowledge Him as the Messiah. Even many of those who followed Jesus did not understand who He was. Yet, this blind man saw Jesus through the eyes of faith. He cried out to him in his time of need and acknowledged who Jesus was – the Son of David, the Messiah, the Christ!

The crowd tried to quiet this blind man. Many times there are those in our lives who try to discourage our faith. They try to temper our heart from seeking the Lord. Yet, Bartimaeus would not have any of it. He cried all the louder until Jesus summoned for him. Bartimaeus did want to be burdened down with anything that would keep him from Jesus. He threw off his cloak and was led to Jesus.

As we witness what happened next we see the second key to understanding Jesus’ words in verse 52.

• “When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi, ” the blind man said, “I want to see!” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭10:49-51‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The important question was – “What do you want ME to do for you?” Jesus did not ask Bartimaeus – “What can your faith do for you?” Faith is not the agent. Faith is the channel. Faith never heals. Only Jesus is our healer. If our faith is in our confession, our actions, or any other thing other than Christ alone, our faith is misplaced. Bartimaeus knew this. This is why he cried out to Jesus. And, this is why Jesus replied – “What do you want ME to do for you?”

This leads us to the final words of Jesus to Bartimaeus.

• “And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.” Mark‬ ‭10:52‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Was it Bartimaeus’ faith that healed him, or was it Jesus that healed him? Of course, it was Jesus! Yet, it was Bartimaeus’ faith that gave him the spiritual eyes to see and understand who Jesus was. It brought him to Jesus the Messiah, the Savior, and the healer. So, Jesus was correct when he said – “Go, for your faith has healed you.”

Some may think that this distinction is splitting hairs. However, I believe it is both profound and important. I have met so many people who have begun placing their faith in a methodology to receive their healing more than in Jesus Christ. Books have been written on the subject. People begin to look to men and Scriptural formulas for their needs. And, in all of this, they leave their simple and sincere faith in Jesus Christ.

I have prayed with people and have seen them miraculously healed. I have also presided over the memorial services for dear saints of God who were confessing their healing here on earth, yet they were called home to heaven. Did one person have more faith than the other? The answer is a resounding – NO! Our faith is never to be in our faith. Our faith must be anchored in Christ alone. In life and death, we walk in faith. Faith is not to be focused on the answer or the promise.

Faith is to be focused on the Son of David, the Messiah – Jesus Christ our Savior, Baptizer in the Holy Spirit, Healer, and Soon Coming King!

Lord, thank you for the record of blind Bartimaeus. I pray that his faith will remind me that You alone are my healer. You alone are the one who answers my prayers. Forgive me for the times when I have placed my faith in my confession or actions. Keep my faith anchored in You alone!

In Jesus Name!