Jesus is now approaching Jericho, which was about 12 miles northeast of Jerusalem. As He was nearing the city, a man began calling out for Jesus to have mercy on him. It was Bartemaeus, a blind beggar who desperately wanted to see. Blind and poor, this is a wonderful example of why Jesus came to the world, to give light to those in darkness not just physical sight but spiritual sight. I believe He delighted in giving Bartemaeus sight, in showing His mercy not just to Bartemaeus but also to all who were there. The disciples had tried to stop the blind man as He was calling out for the Lord, as people will do to us as we seek Him. Nevertheless, Bartemaeus would not be held back, it did not matter what anyone else thought he wanted to see beyond all costs. That is what Jesus is looking for, to come to Him at all costs so that He can show us mercy. Mercy is a lovely word, getting something we do not deserve. The Bible says mercy goes before truth and this quote from the Merchant of Venice is a beautiful literary quote, which describes mercies strength.
- The quality of mercy is not strained.
- It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
- Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:
- It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
- Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes
- The throned monarch better than his crown.
- His scepter shows the force of temporal power,
- The attribute to awe and majesty,
- Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings.
- But mercy is above this sceptered sway;
- It is enthroned in the hearts of kings;
- It is an attribute of God himself;
- And earthly power doth then show like God's
