The account of Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52 is a powerful lesson that reveals profound spiritual insights, especially when analyzed through the lens of the Greek word ἀποβάλλω (apoballo). This word, translated as "casting away," provides a vivid image of Bartimaeus' actions and offers a deeper understanding of his faith and desperation to reach Jesus. This blog post explores the significance of ἀποβάλλω in Mark 10:50 and its implications for believers, drawing parallels with other scriptural references, notably Hebrews 10:35.
Bartimaeus: A Desperate Act of Faith
Mark 10:46-52 narrates the encounter between Jesus and Bartimaeus, a blind beggar. As Jesus leaves Jericho, Bartimaeus hears that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by and cries out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" (Mark 10:47, ESV). Despite being rebuked by the crowd, he continues to shout even louder, his determination echoing in the air, as he is resolute in gaining Jesus' attention.
When Jesus calls him, Bartimaeus' response is immediate and decisive. Mark 10:50 states, "And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus" (ESV). The term "throwing off" is translated from the Greek word ἀποβάλλω. This compound word is formed from ἀπό (apo), meaning "away from," and βάλλω (ballo), meaning "to throw." Thus, ἀποβάλλω conveys the idea of forcefully discarding or hurling something away.
Bartimaeus did not merely remove his garment and lay it aside; he quickly jerked it off his body and hurled it down to the ground. This action signifies more than simply removing clothing; it symbolizes a radical departure from his old life and an urgent movement toward Jesus. The cloak, possibly his only possession and protection, was cast aside in a moment of resolute faith.
The Symbolism of the Garment
The garment Bartimaeus cast away likely served as his means of collecting alms and possibly as a blanket to keep him warm at night. By discarding it, Bartimaeus symbolically abandoned his past, his dependence on charity, and his identity as a blind beggar. His casting away the garment represents a radical renunciation of his old life in pursuit of a new one through faith in Jesus.
This decisive action of Bartimaeus parallels the biblical call to remove anything hindering our spiritual progress. Hebrews 12:1 exhorts believers to "lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (ESV). Just as Bartimaeus cast away his cloak to approach Jesus unencumbered, we are called to discard anything that impedes our walk with Christ.
Hebrews 10:35 and the Call to Persevere
The concept of casting away is also crucial in understanding Hebrews 10:35: "Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward" (ESV). Here, the phrase "throw away" is again derived from ἀποβάλλω. The author of Hebrews admonishes believers not to discard their confidence in God's promises despite prolonged suffering and delayed fulfillment.
The early Christians addressed in Hebrews faced severe persecution and were tempted to abandon their faith. The appeal to not "throw away" their confidence parallels Bartimaeus' determination not to let go of his opportunity to be healed by Jesus. His unwavering faith, demonstrated by casting away his cloak, is a powerful example of believers holding fast to their confidence in God.
Faith in Action: The Example of Bartimaeus
Bartimaeus' story underscores the importance of faith in action. His willingness to cast away his cloak and his immediate response to Jesus' call highlights the dynamic nature of true faith. James 2:17 reminds us that "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (ESV). Bartimaeus' faith was not passive; it propelled him to act decisively and urgently.
His persistence further exemplifies this active faith. Despite being rebuked by the crowd, he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" (Mark 10:48, ESV). His persistence paid off when Jesus stopped and called him. Bartimaeus' faith and his action resulted in his healing and transformation.
The Broader Biblical Context of ἀποβάλλω
The use of ἀποβάλλω in Mark 10:50 and Hebrews 10:35 provides a broader biblical context for understanding the concept of casting away. In John 9:34, the same word is used when the blind man healed by Jesus is "cast out" by the Pharisees. This casting out symbolizes rejection and expulsion. However, in the context of faith, casting away takes on a positive connotation of rejecting hindrances to embrace something greater.
In Acts 27:43, during the shipwreck, the centurion orders that those who could swim should "throw themselves overboard" (ESV) to reach the shore. The act of casting away here is a life-saving measure, much like Bartimaeus' act of casting away his cloak was life-changing. It denotes a desperate but deliberate act to reach safety or salvation.
Practical Implications for Believers
The narrative of Bartimaeus and the exhortation in Hebrews 10:35 have profound practical implications for believers. First, they call us to examine what "cloaks" we need to cast away. These could be physical possessions, habits, or relationships hindering our spiritual growth. Like Bartimaeus, we must be willing to discard anything that stands between us and our pursuit of Christ.
Secondly, it encourages perseverance in faith. The believers addressed in Hebrews were tempted to abandon their confidence in God due to prolonged trials. Similarly, we may face seasons of waiting and discouragement. However, the call is to hold fast to our faith, knowing that "he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23, ESV).
Thirdly, it emphasizes the importance of active faith. Bartimaeus' story teaches us that faith requires action. It is not enough to believe passively; we must act on our faith, demonstrating our trust in God through our decisions and actions. This underlines the urgency of our faith, prompting us to act immediately.
Conclusion: Embracing the Faith of Bartimaeus
The account of Bartimaeus and the Greek word ἀποβάλλω provide rich theological insights into the nature of faith and the call to cast away hindrances. Bartimaeus' act of casting away his cloak was a decisive, urgent movement towards Jesus, symbolizing the renunciation of his old life and the embrace of new possibilities through faith.
Hebrews 10:35 admonishes believers not to cast away their confidence, echoing Bartimaeus' determination and persistence. This appeal is as relevant today as it was for the early Christians. In times of waiting and discouragement, we are called to hold fast to our faith, acting decisively and persistently in our pursuit of Christ.
Bartimaeus' story challenges us to identify and cast away anything that hinders our spiritual growth, persevere in our confidence in God's promises, and demonstrate our faith through action. By embracing Bartimaeus' faith, we can move towards a deeper, more dynamic relationship with Jesus, experiencing the transformation and healing that comes from casting away all that entangles us and running with endurance the race set before us.
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