What does Mark 10:52 mean?
When Jesus says someone's faith has made them well (Mark 5:34; Luke 17:19; 18:42), He doesn't mean that insistent conviction somehow moves God to do whatever we want. We can't nag God into giving us our wishes, like a spoiled child wearing down a parent. In some unknown way, our faith welcomes Jesus' work in our lives. The reverse is also true. When Jesus went to His hometown of Nazareth, the people rejected His authority and His power. "He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them" (Mark 6:5). In fact, the people tried to throw Him off a cliff (Luke 4:29).Jesus tells Bartimaeus to "go your way," but once his sight is restored, Bartimaeus follows Jesus. We aren't told if he becomes Jesus' disciple or if he heads to the temple to give a peace offering in thanks for God's work (Leviticus 7:11–21). Mark makes the rare step of recording his name—see Mark 5:22 for the one other instance Mark gave this courtesy. Scholars posit this might be because Bartimaeus became a known figure in the church. If so, the acceptance of this blind beggar over the rich young ruler (Mark 10:21–22) must confuse the disciples even as it drives home the truth that only those who admit they are powerless will have the humility to follow Jesus.
When Jesus works in our lives, it is not often immediate. It is often a painful slog through challenges and trials that God uses to get our hearts ready and our attention on Him. Bartimaeus doesn't need such a process. He has faith, and he is ready. He doesn't care what others think. He only wants Jesus. The simple, childlike faith of the powerless is honoring to the God who loves us.
