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This man is a picture of what we would fain have every seeker of Christ to become. In his lonely darkness, and deep poverty, he thought and became persuaded that Jesus was the Son of David. Though he had no sight, he made good use of his hearing. If we have not all gifts, let us use those we have.

I. HE SOUGHT THE LORD UNDER DISCOURAGEMENTS.

1. No one prompted his seeking.

2. Many opposed his attempts.

3. For awhile he was unheeded by Christ Himself.

4. He was but a blind beggar, and this alone might have checked some pleaders.

II. HE RECEIVED ENCOURAGEMENT. This came from Christ's commanding him to be called. There are several kinds of calls which come to men at the bidding of Christ.

1. Universal call (John 3:14, 15).

2. Character call (Matthew 11:28; Acts 2:38, 39).

3. Ministerial call (Acts 13:26, 38, 39; Acts 16:31).

4. Effectual call (Romans 8:30).

III. BUT ENCOURAGEMENT DID NOT CONTENT HIM: he still sought Jesus. To stop short of Jesus and healing would have been folly indeed.

1. He arose. Hopefully, resolutely, he quitted his begging posture. In order to salvation we must be on the alert, and in earnest.

2. He cast away his garment, and every hindrance.

3. He came to Jesus.

4. He stated his case.

5. He received salvation. Jesus said unto him, "Thy faith hath made thee whole." He obtained perfect eyesight: complete health.

IV. HAVING FOUND JESUS HE KEPT TO HIM.

1. He used his sight to see the Lord.

2. He became His avowed disciple.

3. He went with Jesus on His way to the cross, and to the crown.

4. He remained a well-known disciple, whose father's name is given.

(C. H. Spurgeon.)

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KJV: And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.

WEB: They came to Jericho. As he went out from Jericho, with his disciples and a great multitude, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the road.