In Luke 18:35-19:27 we find part of Jesus’ final trip through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem. Jesus has a personal encounter with two men, who become his disciples. These two a very different in their stations in life. Luke doesn’t name the first man, though we know from the other Gospel writers he is known as Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46). But Luke does tell us that he is blind and survives by begging. Totally dependent upon the compassion of others his life was surely difficult. Was he abused by adolescents? Did Roman soldiers mock him by tossing stones in his hand rather than coins? How many pieces of dry bread had he eagerly devoured because that was all he would eat. With little option he sat by the road with no chance of gainful employment or public acceptance his only hope was for God to move someone to give him enough for today’s food. Did Bartimaeus question God’s justice in this life? The second man lived on the other end of the social structure of Jericho. Zacchaeus made his living, and his wealth, from the losses of those around him. Totally dependent upon the authority of Rom his live was as isolated at Bartimaeus’. Was he abused by adolescents? Did Roman soldiers mock him as a traitor to his people. How many households had he callously devoured in attempts to satisfy his loneliness? Zacchaeus had no hope in finding any other means of employment; who would trust him enough to hire him. Did Zacchaeus question God’s justice in this life?
Both men were considered the dregs of Jericho. They had probably made past choices that classified them as vermin to most people. No respectable person would have sought out either man. Jesus called both of the men to come to him. And in that invitation the faith of both men blossomed. It no longer matter that they were rejected by the people of Jericho. Jesus had chosen them. Their lives were never the same.
But I wonder what their lives were like after Jesus’ invitation. How did they lived out their faith in Jesus? Especially when it came to each other?
Stuart
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