GREAT THINGS ENTERPRISE
CLAUDE BLACK
Mark 10:48
When Silence Is Not the Answer
There’s an old story about a man visiting a new city who sought out a church to attend on Sunday. During the sermon, the preacher made a point that moved him to call out a loud “Amen.” The preacher was momentarily surprised but continued. When the preacher drove home another strong point, the visitor responded with a resounding “Hallelujah!”
This time, however, an usher approached and quietly asked the visitor to remain silent. The enthusiastic guest replied, “I can’t help it; I’ve got religion.” The usher answered, “Well, you didn’t get it here, so be quiet.”
The Gospel of Mark recounts that as Jesus was leaving Jericho with a large crowd on his way to Jerusalem, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46) heard that he was passing by and called out to him for mercy. “And many were rebuking him that he should be silent. But he cried out much more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me.’” (Mark 10:48)
The text does not specify why the crowd tried to silence the man asking for help. Perhaps they felt Bartimaeus was interrupting Jesus’ teaching. Maybe his ragged appearance led them to judge him unworthy. Or perhaps, as some suggest, the crowd was simply indifferent to his needs or in too great a hurry to stop and help.
What, then, would motivate someone to cry out for the Father’s mercy despite the crowd’s objections, indifference, or spiritual dullness? Those who would serve the Father must overcome the resistance, hindrances, and feelings of unworthiness that seek to silence them.
Previous
Next
Directory