44. The Ideal Citizen of the Kingdom (Mark 10:32-52)

As Jesus approached Jerusalem, Holy Week, and the Passion, Mark wraps up his description of the kingdom that Jesus will soon establish, offering an example of an ideal citizen in the story of 'Blind Bartimaeus.' Mark highlights the simplicity and humility of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, with the grandiose delusions of James and John, who lobby Jesus for positions of honor. Even before his physical eyes were opened, Bartimaeus could see the truth of Jesus through the eyes of faith, and after Jesus restored his sight, Bartimaeus joined the followers of Jesus, as they all made their way to the dramatic events awaiting them in Jerusalem.