What happens at the moment when a student’s eyes finally open and they can see the solution to a tough math problem which has eluded them so long? Is it something the teacher said? Did? Or does it have to do with the student concentrating more or trying harder? What is it that opens the eyes of the mind to grasp a new concept or method of solving a problem?

What about  faith issues? What happens at the moment when a person’s eyes finally open and they see Jesus differently? Is it something that a pastor, catechism or SONday School teacher has said? Is it that the pastor or teacher has spoken more passionately or convincingly? Has something happened inside a person to make him/her more receptive?

In our journey through Mark we have observed that we are often like the disciples who see, but don’t see. They hear and see Jesus do so many extraordinary things, yet all they can see are their special positions and privileges within Jesus’ upcoming kingdom. No matter how many times Jesus teaches them that the Son of Man will be “handed over to those who will mock him, spit upon him, flog him, kill him; and after three days he will rise again,” they are blind to what he is saying.

In direct contrast is blind Bartimaeus who can’t see a thing, yet he “sees” and recognizes who Jesus is! Unlike the disciples who beg for privilege and position, Bartimaeus begs for mercy! And that seems to be the catalyst for his healing and recovery of sight.

What a great lesson for us to learn on this second weekend of Lent as we ask: “Who is the Christ?” May we become like blind Bartimeus and simply pray: “Lord, I want to see!”