Mark 10:46-48 NLT

Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. 

A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road.

When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

"Be quiet!" many of the people yelled at him. 

But he only shouted louder, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

Mark 10:46-48 NLT

I wonder how often in my life I have been one of the crowd who may not have said it out loud, but certainly said it inside "just be quiet".

Bartimaeus was on the margins of society.

He wasn't included in the group - he was on the roadside.

Begging to survive.

Living with disabilty.

Alone.

Not like the group. 

And somehow he knew about Jesus. He had enough connection with others to know Jesus royal line, and that somehow Jesus might be able to help him. 

Perhaps he had a perspective about Jesus that others didn't?

Bartimaeus who's voice was only used to help him survive, to beg from others, now wanted to be heard by royalty. 

"Lord help me to no longer shut down the voice of those on the margins, those left out, left behind, those with no voice.

May we create and hold spaces that are safe, are OK for all your people to be included and loved.

Amen".

#gospelofMark #GoodNews 

#invitation 

#dangerousprayers #speaklife