Bartimaeus was a blind beggar sitting on the side of the road that led to Jerusalem. Jesus was traveling from Jericho to Jerusalem when he came across him. Bartimaeus called out in very loud voice, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus went to the beggar and put mud on his eyes to heel his sight. This was the last miracle that Jesus performed before His death. Bartimaeus received mercy from Jesus. Jesus last act was one of mercy. Mercy is an act of grace and compassion.
Jesus offers all of us the same mercy and He also wants us to remember that it is okay for each of us to call out to let Jesus know when we are struggling. He already can feel us wrestling with our difficulties but He wants each of us to know that He's open to having that tough conversation. Even if it requires one or all of these: shriek, scream, howl, shout, bellow or bawl! He's open to it, just have faith!
This week our Sunday School lesson includes Bartimaeus crafts to help us see the mercy given to us and to remind us to always be humble and kind. Mercy is love that responds to human need in an unexpected or unmerited way. We are beyond grateful for the mercy that our heavenly Father shares with us!