Dr. Luke records two interesting stories back-to-back in his Gospel. The two men in these accounts are very different. However, they both suffer from the same problem – blindness. But in different ways.
Poor Bartimaeus
We meet our first person at the end of chapter 18 of Luke’s Gospel. Jesus and his 12 disciples are on their way (on foot) to Jerusalem. They are approaching the city of Jericho.
Because of Jesus’ popularity, a crowd has formed. Forgotten by the side of the road is a blind beggar. His poverty is linked to his blindness. Without his sight, no one would employ him so he had resorted to begging to survive.
Luke doesn’t give his name but Mark’s Gospel reveals he is Bartimaeus (meaning “son of Timaeus”). He hears the commotion and finds out the reason. He must have heard about Jesus’ ability to heal because he suddenly cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The people nearby try to shut him up but he cries out even louder (when a person is desperate, inhibitions fall away).
To everyone’s surprise, Jesus stops and asks to see the man. Jesus then asks him what seems to be an obvious question – “What do you want me to do for you?”. The expected answer comes back, “Lord, I want to see.” As hope rises in the man’s heart, he hears these words, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Bartimaeus immediately can see and does two things – he follows Jesus and starts praising God. The astonished crowd which just witnessed a miracle begins praising God as well (see Luke 18:35-43).
Wealthy Zacchaeus
As the swelling crowd continue through the streets of Jericho, Jesus meets another man. His name is Zacchaeus which means “pure” or “innocent”. Ironically, he is neither. Unlike poor Bartimaeus, Zacchaeus is a wealthy tax collector. His wealth is linked to his profession.
Tax collectors were notorious for their corruption in that day. It was standard practice to inflate the tax demands on the people and pocket the difference. As a result, they were detested by the common people for their greed, dishonesty and collaboration with the hated Roman occupiers.
Zacchaeus had good eyes but his problem was “spiritual” blindness. He had sold his soul for the deceitfulness of riches. His other problem was he was “vertically challenged” (translation: short). Because of the crowd, he couldn’t see Jesus so (creatively) he climbed a tree. Zacchaeus too had heard of Jesus’ amazing words and deeds and wanted to see him for himself.
Zacchaeus had good eyes but his problem was “spiritual” blindness
Just as Jesus passes by the tree, he surprises everyone. He stops, looks up, calls Zacchaeus by name, and invites himself to his house. An amazed Zacchaeus immediately climbs down and gladly welcomes Jesus home. Convicted of his sin, Zacchaeus promises Jesus he will give half of his wealth to the poor and repay four-fold all those he has cheated (which probably represented a pretty hefty sum). Jesus sees his heart-felt repentance and faith and says, “Today salvation has come to this house… For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (see Luke 19:1-10)
So what?
So, what do two stories about a physically blind man and a spiritually blind man have to do with you? This passage clearly shows that Jesus had (and has) the power to heal us in both body and soul.
In spite of their socio-economic differences, both Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus became sincere believers and entered God’s kingdom that day. Because of Jesus, they were now spiritual brothers. And remember how Bartimaeus had followed Jesus after his healing? It’s quite possible he followed his Lord right into the home of Zacchaeus and also enjoyed his hospitality.
By the way, how’s your eyesight?
Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.
