Mark 10:52 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

NIV: Go,' said Jesus, 'your faith has healed you.' Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

NASB: And Jesus said to him, 'Go; your faith has made you well.' And immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.

CSB: Jesus said to him, "Go, your faith has saved you." Immediately he could see and began to follow Jesus on the road.

NLT: And Jesus said to him, 'Go, for your faith has healed you.' Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.

KJV: And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

NKJV: Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.

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.

Mark 10:46–52 describes Jesus traveling through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem and the cross. He is stopped by a blind man who wishes to be healed. The first account of Jesus healing a blind man comes directly after Jesus accuses the disciples of spiritual blindness (Mark 8:14–26). This, the last of Jesus' healing miracles in Mark, directly follows James and John's spiritually blind request for positions of power in Jesus' kingdom. Luke 18:35–43 records a similar event, possibly the same one; Matthew 20:29–34 mentions that Bartimaeus has a friend who is also healed.

In this passage, Jesus again confronts the Pharisees by clarifying God's views on marriage and divorce. He reminds the disciples not to dismiss the spiritual perspective of children. This chapter also records Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler, who becomes an object lesson in why wealth makes it hard for people to rely on God. After this, Jesus deftly sets aside an arrogant request from James and John, and again predicts His impending death. Just prior to the triumphal entry of chapter 11, Jesus is sought out by Bartimaeus, whom He heals of blindness.

In between chapters 9 and 10, Jesus resumes His public teaching as He travels to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles (Luke 9:57—18:14; John 7—10). We meet Him here across the Jordan in Perea and follow as He makes His way west again to Jericho. This chapter surrounds a third prophecy of Jesus' death (Mark 10:32–34) with lessons on His value for those others often dismiss: women (Mark 10:1–12), the powerless (Mark 10:13–16), those who value God more than the world (Mark 10:17–31), servant-hearted leaders (Mark 10:35–45), and those with bold faith (Mark 10:46–52). Next is the triumphal entry and the beginning of Passion Week.

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes both Jesus' servanthood and His role as the promised Messiah: the Son of God. This is done through a concise, action-packed style. Mark provides relatively few details, instead focusing on actions and simple statements. This relates to the Gospel's authorship, which is believed to be based on the memories of the apostle Peter. These include many of Jesus' miracles, in contrast to other Gospels which include many more of Jesus' teachings and parables. Mark also makes frequent mention of Jesus' ministry being misunderstood by others.