If you’ve ever learned a new skill, you’ve no doubt experienced the confusion and mistakes made during the acquisition stage.
Anyone who has ever coached, taught, or modeled an ability for another person knows that clarity in examples and explanations are key to comprehension of that new skill set. Even after watching someone else deftly complete a multi-step task, there can be more questions as the learner attempts to duplicate the process.
New skills require the pupil to identify both the known AND unknown because few individuals are gifted enough to learn without recognizing that they are not yet experts.
In the four Gospels, we read that Jesus used many parables to share heavenly truths with His listeners. It was not beneath Him to illustrate the Kingdom of Heaven with the innocence of a child (Matthew 18), to encourage even the tiniest grain of faith with the example of a mustard plant (Matthew 17), or to use nature’s glory to explain complete reliance on God as Provider (Matthew 6).
Mark 10:46-52 shares the experience of Bartimaeus, whose lifestyle of blindness and begging came to an end when Jesus entered his town. Refusing to be quieted, he shouted repeatedly for mercy. Bartimaeus never specified exactly what that gift of mercy would entail, and eventually, the LORD confronted him, asking point blank, “What do you want me to do for you?”
With no apparent hesitation, the blind man stated, “I want to see.”
His simple yet profound answer indicated that he recognized not only the problem but the only One holding its solution. Just as learning any new skill set takes hard work and a willingness to ask for clarification, Jesus required that Bartimaeus identify and confess his ultimate need. Facing a life of physical blindness with all it demanded, Bartimaeus also needed a spiritual Savior. He found both answers in Jesus, Who said, “Go, for your faith has healed you (vs. 52).”
Even today we must acknowledge our need for the gift of salvation, found in Christ alone. Don’t wait! Tell Jesus what you REALLY need.
mpaxson99@yahoo.com
