And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Mark 10:46-52

And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark 10:48

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:46-52.  Excerpts from the commentary's introduction and for the first (of three) division (vv46-48):

• The title of this chapter for the commentary is "Loving Someone Enough to Stop and Help," and the main idea is: "Jesus demonstrates the love of God through extending grace and mercy to those in need."
• The title of the first division per the commentary is "People Are All Around Us Who Are Hurting." 
• "Matthew mentions two blind men, whereas Mark and Luke only mention one. Mark alone tells us that one man’s name is Bartimaeus. This does not mean that any of the accounts is inaccurate but rather that Mark and Luke chose to focus only on the more vocal and active of the two men."  
• "A poor blind beggar named Bartimaeus suffered because of a “mob mentality” during the days of Jesus. Bartimaeus literally means “son of honor.” However, he was the recipient of anything but respect from the crowd that was attracted to Jesus. He was marginalized and sidelined! Bartimaeus is no longer noticed by most. They do not see him or hear him. He sits by the road, day after day, begging to survive. Some give him a little, but most give him nothing." 
• As Bartimaeus shouts out to Jesus, "[t]he response of the mob was less than helpful: 'Many told him to be quiet' (10:48). I would paraphrase this: 'Shut up, you fool! You are embarrassing us!'"  
• "Perhaps this was the first time in a long time that anyone even took notice of him. On this occasion they did notice him, but not in love, only in scorn. They were insensitive. In their minds he did not matter. He was a taker and not a contributor. They just did not care. No one cared but Jesus."  
• "The blind man pleads with Jesus, “Have mercy on me!” He acknowledges without apology his helpless and hopeless condition. He cannot give himself sight. He cannot make himself wealthy. He is all alone and completely dependent on others, and he boldly and publicly declares he will stake his dependency on Christ and Christ alone, the Son of David."  
• "Like Jesus, Christians should avoid getting so caught up with the masses that we miss the one. Pray for one at a time. Evangelize one at a time. Feed one at a time. Clothe one at a time. Disciple one at a time. Adopt one at a time. Love one at a time."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who sees all.  Thank You for saving me while still an enemy and hostile to You.  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.