From first to last, Jesus grounded his ministry in mercy.
Here’s a transcript:
I’m thinking about the tenth chapter of Mark’s Gospel (Mark 10:46-52).
This is the last story that Mark told about Jesus’ ministry before his entry into Jerusalem. Chapter eleven begins with that story of the triumphant entry into the city. So what did Mark use as the very last story he chose to tell before describing the events of Holy Week?
He talked about a healing.
A blind man who begged for his living called Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was near. He called out, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” — a pretty daring thing to say. “Son of David” was a royal title and speaking such words in Jericho, not far from Jerusalem, well. That was dangerous. People around him tried to keep him quiet, probably for their sake as much as for his, but Jesus heard the commotion and said, “Bring him to me.”
“What do you want?” Jesus asked Bartimaeus and Bartimaeus asked to see.
Another healing.
Mark began his account of Jesus’ ministry pretty much with a healing. Jesus went to a synagogue and there healed a man with a withered arm [Author’s note: it’s actually an exorcism; I got mixed up], and so began his account of Jesus’ actions and words in Galilee. From first to last, Jesus’ ministry among us was grounded in mercy.
“Son of David, have mercy on me.”
Jesus brought to the people around him not just power — plenty of people bring power. Jesus brought a willingness, indeed an eagerness, to use the power that he had for others’ benefit, to make their lives better, to bring them healing, to restore to them what they had lost and sought to find again.
Bartimaeus went away rejoicing.
Jesus went away to give his final act of mercy, challenging the authorities in the city, and at their hands going to the cross.
Mercy is what drove Jesus from first to last. Can mercy drive us from first to last?
That’s what I’m thinking. I’m curious to hear what you’re thinking. Leave me your thoughts in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you.