Mark 10:49
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Mark 10:49
49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
Chapter Context
Mark 10 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of fellowship, discipleship, love. Written during the mid first century CE (c. 65-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Composed during or just after Nero's persecution when eyewitnesses were disappearing.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-52: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Mark and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Mark 10:49
49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
Analysis
And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called (στὰς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν Φωνήσατε αὐτόν, stas ho Iēsous eipen Phōnēsate auton). The participle στὰς (stas, "standing still") indicates Jesus stopped His journey—the same Jesus who "resolutely set His face toward Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51), determined to reach the cross, pauses for one blind beggar. This demonstrates Jesus' compassion and accessibility despite His mission's cosmic importance.
The verb Φωνήσατε (Phōnēsate, "call him") is an imperative—Jesus commands the very crowd that tried to silence Bartimaeus to now summon him. The same people who rebuked him must now reverse course and encourage him. This reversal illustrates how Jesus elevates the lowly and humbles the proud.
And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee (θάρσει, ἔγειρε, φωνεῖ σε, tharsei, egeire, phōnei se). The imperative θάρσει (tharsei, "take courage, be confident") appears throughout the Gospels when Jesus addresses fear or distress (Matthew 9:2, 22; 14:27). The verb ἔγειρε (egeire, "rise, get up") is the same word used for resurrection—Bartimaeus's rising from his begging position symbolizes resurrection from spiritual death to new life.
Historical Context
Jesus' willingness to stop for a beggar violated social expectations. Important teachers and leaders typically ignored lower-class individuals, especially beggars. The crowd's change from silencing to summoning Bartimaeus reflects recognition that Jesus operates by different values—He welcomes those society dismisses. This scene anticipates Jesus' teaching that the last will be first and first will be last (Matthew 20:16).
Reflection
- What does Jesus stopping His journey to the cross for one beggar reveal about His heart for individuals despite the cosmic scope of His mission?
- How does Jesus commanding the crowd to call Bartimaeus challenge us when we've been obstacles rather than bridges to people seeking Jesus?
- Who have you dismissed, ignored, or considered 'inconvenient' whom Jesus might be calling you to welcome and encourage?
Cross-References
- References Jesus: Luke 18:40
- Parallel theme: Psalms 86:15, John 11:28