Crying Out by the Roadside – Love in the Wilderness
A devotion on Mark 10:46-52 on the courage to cry out for mercy
Here is a devotion to start your day!
A spoken version of this devotion is available through the Still, Here audio reflections podcast.
Scripture: Mark 10:46–52
When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him, that he should be quiet, but he cried out much more, “You son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him.”
Reflection
A blind man sits by the road, blind and begging. When he hears that Jesus is passing by, he cries out, not “Jesus of Nazareth,” but by His Messianic title, “Jesus, you son of David.” This blind man could “see” what the disciples and religious leaders could not.
Hope, for Bartimaeus, is not polite. It refuses to be shushed by social pressure or embarrassment. His persistence stops Jesus in His tracks. “Call him,” Jesus says. The very crowd that tried to silence him now says, “Cheer up! He is calling you!” Bartimaeus throws aside his cloak, springs up, and comes to Jesus.
Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” It is not a trick question. Bartimaeus answers plainly: “Rabboni, that I may see again.” Jesus heals him, and he follows Jesus on the road.
There are times when hopeful prayers feel loud and risky—especially when circumstances or voices around us suggest we should settle down and accept things as they are. The season of Lent encourages a different kind of honesty: the courage to cry out for mercy, even when others don’t understand.
Love in the wilderness stops for the ones who refuse to silence their desire.
A Prayer of Presence
Son of David,
Have mercy on me. When my hope is told to quiet down, give me courage to keep calling Your name. Hear my honest desire and lead me in the path of following You. – Amen
Practice for Today
Pray Bartimaeus’ prayer aloud several times today: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” Let it rise especially in moments when you feel discouraged or tempted to give up.
Consider This...
Where have I allowed the “crowd”—circumstances, opinions, or inner critics—to talk me out of bringing my true desires to Jesus?
Carry This Prayer With You
Breathe in: Jesus, Son of David…
Breathe out: … have mercy on me
This work is freely shared. If it nourishes your life with God, you’re welcome to help sustain it.