Social Niceties

The adults nibbled politely on the snacks, but really everyone was wanting to consume them all. 

Mark 10:46-52

Reference: Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. (Mark 10:50 TNIV)

Explore: I was recently at a BBQ with a number of families. We had all brought food to share and there was a beautifully presented platter of cheeses and dips to nibble on as we waited for the meat to be cooked.

The adults were standing around chatting while the children played in the garden, but everyone was getting quite hungry. The adults nibbled politely on the snacks, but really everyone was wanting to consume them all.

Suddenly one of the children noticed the pre-dinner food on the table. They threw away their toys and all ran to the table, jostling for the best position near the platter.

Before the adults could shoo them away and restore order, the children had guzzled handfuls of cheese, crackers and dips, leaving just a couple of crumbs.

While the adults chastised their children for being so greedy, they were all just wishing they could have eaten just as much!

Application: Being socially appropriate is very important in our culture. We don’t want people to think badly of us or judge us harshly, so we all obey the unwritten social rules of our communities.

Blind Bartimaeus was not someone concerned about social niceties. When it came to his opportunity to meet with Jesus he became like a child eating dip at a BBQ. He threw himself in completely.

Bartimaeus was so keen to come before Jesus that he even threw aside his cloak – possibly one of his only possessions – to be before the Rabbi.

In the very same chapter, just a few verses earlier we hear of the rich young ruler. He was educated, addressed Jesus appropriately, and would have been well respected in the community.

But when he had the opportunity to be before Jesus, he could not throw anything away, therefore he missed out on truly knowing Christ.

I know that I am like this at times. I’m too concerned with how others will judge me, so I hold back on my enthusiasm and desire for my faith.

It’s at times like this that I need to be reminded of Blind Bartimaeus and strive to be more like him in my search for God.

Prayer: Lord, may I put aside my self-consciousness and not be shy in showing my enthusiasm for You. Amen.

When have you been more like the rich young ruler, rather than Blind Bartimaeus?

cool, enthusiasm, Jesus, judge, Mark, socially appropriate