“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12
Blind Bartimaeus, as he was known to many, didn’t even have his own name. The word “bar” means “son of.” So, the name Bartimaeus simply means the “son of Timaeus.” That doesn’t seem so bad at first glance, except for the fact the name Timaeus means “unclean.” And that’s exactly what life was like for Bartimaeus as he sat beside the dusty road that led in and out of Jericho. Yet one encounter with Jesus, on a Judean afternoon, changed his life forever.
As Jesus was making his way out of town, He heard the cry of Bartimaeus saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” Out of either their annoyance or embarrassment, those closest to Bartimaeus tried to hush him up, but he yelled out all the more. This was his chance, his moment and opportunity for the miracle he had always needed, and he wasn’t about to be silenced! You see, everyone else that day, except for the closest followers of Jesus, knew Him only by reputation as “Jesus of Nazareth.” Bartimaeus, however, had a revelation as to who Jesus really was – the Messiah. Therefore, he called out “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” And it was from that revelation that his cries for help got the attention of Jesus Himself.
Jesus sent for Bartimaeus. But before Bartimaeus went to Him, he threw off his beggar’s coat. He must have known in his heart that this encounter with Jesus would change his life, not to mention his identity. He would no longer be identified by the beggar’s coat he wore because the “beggar’s life” had come to an end.
Jesus asked Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?”, to which he replied, “That I might see.” Jesus said to him, “According to your faith be it unto you,” and at that very moment Bartimaeus could see for the first time in his life. Not only did Bartimaeus gain his sight that day, he also got a new name. Simply because he believed Jesus and accepted Him, he gained the name “child of God.”
What “one thing” do you need God to do for you today? Whatever that may be, put your faith in the finished work of Jesus and believe on Him. And, as a child of God, ask, believe, and receive.