Disruptive Faith

By Reverend Michael Farias

He was sitting by the side of the road when he heard the commotion.  Although he couldn’t see what was happening, he could hear that something was different on the streets that day.

The news had spread about the man named Jesus, and as fate would have it, Jesus and his disciples were passing by.

The crowds were swelling in front of the blind beggar known as Bartemaeus when he suddenly sensed that Jesus was near.  

And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”  Mark 10:47 NKJV

The crowd turned on the blind beggar, warning him to be quiet.  He was disturbing the peace, but the more they tried to shut him up, the more he cried out.  He was so disruptive that Jesus stopped in his tracks and commanded that the man be brought forth.  This man was calling out to Jesus, and now Jesus is calling him out.

He’s standing before Jesus, one on one, when Jesus asks,  “What do you want Me to do for you?”  Mark 10:51 (a) NKJV

Wow!  Can you imagine such an encounter?  What would you ask for?  How bold are you?  How big is your need?  We don’t read about any kind of hesitation from the man, or any uncertainty.  This might be his only chance, a once in a lifetime opportunity.  He knew exactly what to ask for.  

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Mark 10:51 (b) MSG

This is a huge ask, and perhaps even a foolish one, but think about how his life would change if his request was granted.  He had everything to gain and nothing to lose.  He would no longer have to live the life of a beggar.  He would no longer have to wander around in total darkness.  He would literally see the light.  Everything would change for the better.  That’s the amazing potential when you are called out by Jesus.  

Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.  Mark 10:52 NKJV

We see in this story the miracle-working power of Jesus, and the way to approach him.  We don’t have to yell at the top of our lungs or disrupt any gatherings, but we must approach him with faith.

Jesus said that it was the man’s faith that made him well and gave him his sight.

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  Romans 10:17