The disciples of Jesus asked him about the seeming impossibility of being saved. Jesus replied “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God“.
Despite the “glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done“, Israel remained “a stubborn and rebellious generation…not faithful to God“. God did the impossible for Israel: parted the red sea, provided water in the wilderness, rained manna and quails on Israel… and still Israel sinned. Yet God “being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them“.
By ourselves, we can do nothing to earn salvation. Like the Israelites we rely on God’s compassion. The example of blind Bartimaeus helps us recognise our need for mercy, and that our faith can make us whole. Although not as dramatic as being healed of blindness, our sins can be forgiven through Christ. Let us aim to be like Bartimaeus, who immediately followed Christ, putting his faith into action.