Master Or Messiah?

During last night's discipleship course at Calvary Chapel Sydney, we had an interesting conversation about the contrast between the rich young rulers and blind Bartimaeus in Mark chapter 10.  The only similarities between the two is they were both men, and Jesus made an impression on them.  What that impression was and how they responded to Jesus were completely opposite.

As Jesus walked, a rich man ran up to Jesus and said, "Good Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"  Jesus answered, "Why do you call me good?  There is none good but one, who is God."  This was a veiled claim to deity:  Jesus is either good and God, or He is not good.  Jesus said, "You know the commandments."  He then proceeded to list five commands which the man claimed to have kept.  Despite having riches and keeping commands, the man still recognised his lack.  Mark 10:21-22 reads, "Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." ²² But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions."  Wealth was the god of this young rich man, and he proved unwilling to part with his idol - even with eternal life at stake.

On the way to Jericho, James and John approached Jesus.  Mark 10:35-37 describes the interaction:  "Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask." ³⁶ And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?" ³⁷ They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory."  The disciples pulled no punches with Jesus.  They shamelessly told Jesus to His face they wanted Him to do for them whatever they asked.  Isn't this a common thread of many who come to Jesus?  Jesus, graciously and patiently, offered His ear to these ambitious followers.  The rich man wanted to know what he needed to do to gain, and these disciples wanted Jesus to do whatever they wanted for them.

As they came to Jericho, a blind man named Bartimaeus heard it was Jesus who passed by.  He cried out loudly, "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!"  In saying this, Bartimaeus displayed his belief Jesus was the promised Messiah.  When told by others to quiet down, Bartimaeus only screamed louder:  "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!"  Jesus stopped and asked the man to come before him.  Mark 10:50-52 says, "And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. ⁵¹ So Jesus answered and said to him, "What do you want Me to do for you?" The blind man said to Him, "Rabboni, that I may receive my sight." ⁵² 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."  Bartimaeus begged for mercy, and Jesus asked Bartimaeus:  "What do you want Me to do for you?"  He asked to received his sight.  Jesus acknowledged the man's faith, and suddenly he could see!  We do not read of Bartimaeus even going back for his garment, but followed Jesus on the way.

The rich man called Jesus Master, but Bartimaeus called Jesus Messiah.  The rich man asked "What must I do?" and Bartimaeus begged for mercy.  Only after Jesus asked the blind man did he venture to ask for healing.  The rich man went away sorrowful, but the once blind man who now could see followed Jesus rejoicing.  Our eternal destiny depends on faith in Jesus Christ.  When we cling to the wealth of this world, we embrace sorrow now and forever.  Only when Jesus becomes our way can we be healed and obtain eternal life!