Faith in Motion: What True Discipleship Looks Like

In Mark 10, we meet a man named Bartimaeus who exemplifies what true discipleship really is: faith in motion and obedience without delay. Though he was blind, Bartimaeus saw Jesus more clearly than many who had physical sight. His story teaches us powerful lessons about what it means to truly follow Jesus.

Who Was Bartimaeus?

To understand the significance of Bartimaeus's faith, we need to understand his context:

• He was blind, which meant he was seen as less than and marginalized. In ancient times, physical disabilities were often attributed to sin.

• He was poor and completely dependent on charity, sitting by the roadside begging for money just to survive.

• He had lost his identity in society's eyes - he was defined by what he lacked (sight and wealth) rather than who he was as a person.

Given these circumstances, it's not surprising that when Jesus passed by and Bartimaeus began shouting, the crowd rebuked him and told him to be silent. But Bartimaeus refused to be quiet.

What Does True Discipleship Require?

Bartimaeus's story reveals three essential requirements for true discipleship:

1. Having the Right View of Jesus

Bartimaeus referred to Jesus as "Son of David" - a Messianic title connecting Jesus to King David, whom God promised would have a descendant whose reign would be forever. Despite being physically blind, Bartimaeus saw with spiritual eyes who Jesus truly was.

Do you have the right view of Christ? He is:

• The King of Heaven and Glory

• The King of Kings and Lord of Lords

• The Alpha and Omega

• Omniscient and omnipotent

• The author of salvation and restorer of souls

Faith isn't just believing about Jesus; it's believing in the person of Jesus.

2. Having the Right View of Yourself

Bartimaeus knew exactly who he was - weak and in need of mercy that only Jesus could provide. His entire life had been darkness, and he cried out, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

Do you have the right view of yourself? This includes knowing:

• You have worth in God's eyes - Jesus deemed you worth dying for

• You are made in God's image (imago Dei)

• You are not perfect - we are all sinners in need of a Savior

As Martin Luther said, "The recognition of sin is the beginning of salvation." Acknowledge your sin and your need for Jesus.

3. Willingness to Surrender Everything

When Jesus called Bartimaeus, Mark records a seemingly small but significant detail: "Throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus" (Mark 10:50).

This cloak was everything to Bartimaeus:

• It was used to collect alms

• It identified him as a beggar

• It provided warmth, comfort, and shelter

Yet at Jesus's call, Bartimaeus immediately cast it aside - before his sight was even restored! He demonstrated complete confidence in Jesus, trusting that because of Jesus, he wouldn't need that cloak anymore.

True discipleship requires surrender. As Paul wrote in Philippians, "For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish in order that I may gain Christ."

What Happens When We Follow Jesus?

The story concludes with Jesus healing Bartimaeus, who then "followed him on the way" (Mark 10:52). This wasn't just following Jesus on the road to Jerusalem; it was following Jesus on the way to the cross.

Jesus doesn't just change our condition; He redirects our course. True healing from Jesus causes us to go in a new direction.

As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." Following Jesus means dying to ourselves and completely trusting in Him. It's not about getting from Jesus; it's about going with Jesus.

Life Application

The call to discipleship is clear: throw down your cloak. Leave behind your old identity. Don't bring it with you. Just as baptism symbolizes death and resurrection to new life, we must die to our old selves to truly follow Jesus.

What you need isn't more people, substances, money, or power. What you need is transformation - a new heart and daily surrender. You don't need to know where you're going as long as you get really good at following Jesus.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have the right view of Jesus? Do I recognize Him as Lord and Savior?

• Do I have the right view of myself - both my worth in God's eyes and my need for His mercy?

• What "cloak" am I still clinging to that I need to throw aside to fully follow Jesus?

• Am I following Jesus with faith in motion and obedience without delay?

Remember: "The cross before me, the world behind me." There's no turning back when Jesus has placed a call on your life. Throw down your garment and choose life.