Mark 10:49
And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
Mark 10:49
Jesus’ response to Bartimaeus’ persistence is telling: he stands still, commands the call to be answered, and the crowd is told to encourage Bartimaeus. The phrase “be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee” marks a transition from supplication to invitation: mercy becomes opportunity—faith is met with action. The act of calling the blind man shows Jesus’ initiative in bringing healing to a person who cannot access him by social standing. This moment also reveals the community’s role: the crowd who previously tried to silence him now bolsters him with courage and invitation. It’s a vivid portrait of grace meeting faith in tangible, communal ways.
This verse underscores God’s initiative in salvation—Jesus calls the one who cried out to him. It emphasizes that mercy prompts a response from the one in need and from the community that witnesses it. It also demonstrates the transformative power of being summoned into relationship with Christ: the motion from pleading to participation in the path of discipleship.
When you sense Jesus calling you into a new season or responsibility, respond promptly. Practical steps: step into the moment of healing or renewal, move from contemplation to action (e.g., join a small group, start serving, or commit to regular spiritual disciplines). Encourage others who are stepping into new grounds; as Bartimaeus’ companions helped him, you can be a source of support for someone else’s leap of faith.
Cross-References: Isaiah 45:22; John 11:43-44; Acts 9:4-6; Romans 10:13; Hebrews 3:15