Mark 10:49

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.

Mark 10:49 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of the Gospel of Mark’s account of Jesus healing a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. In Mark 10:46, Jesus and His disciples are leaving Jericho with a large crowd, and Bartimaeus is sitting by the roadside. When he hears that Jesus is passing by, he cries out, “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47). Many in the crowd rebuke him and tell him to be quiet, but he persists even more (Mark 10:48).

Jesus stops and commands that Bartimaeus be called. The people then turn to the blind man and say, “Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.” This moment shows that Jesus not only hears the cry of a marginalized person but also takes deliberate action to bring him near.

Meaning

The Greek verb translated “stood still” (from histēmi) indicates that Jesus halted His journey, giving His full attention to Bartimaeus. Jesus’ command to call him demonstrates His willingness to engage with someone society overlooked. The people’s words “Be of good comfort” (tharsei) are an imperative of encouragement, and “rise” (egeire) is a call to action, reflecting the urgency of responding to Jesus’ summons. The phrase “he calleth thee” emphasizes the personal nature of Jesus’ call—Bartimaeus is not just part of a crowd but is individually invited.

Biblical connections

In the following verse, Bartimaeus throws off his beggar’s cloak, springs up, and comes to Jesus (Mark 10:50). His eager response contrasts with the crowd’s earlier attempts to silence him. Jesus then asks, “What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?” (Mark 10:51), and after receiving his sight, Bartimaeus follows Jesus on the way (Mark 10:52). This narrative connects to the broader biblical theme of Jesus responding to persistent faith and calling the outcast into relationship with Him.

Application

Bartimaeus’ encounter teaches believers that they can approach Jesus with boldness, persistently seeking His mercy. Just as Jesus called Bartimaeus, He calls each person to come to Him, offering comfort, healing, and a personal relationship. The crowd’s role in relaying Jesus’ call also reminds believers to encourage others who are seeking Christ, saying in effect, “Be of good comfort; He is calling you.”

Reflection

Mark 10:49 reveals the compassion and accessibility of Jesus. He stops for a blind beggar, commands that he be brought near, and speaks through others to give him courage. This verse invites readers to consider how they respond to Jesus’ call—whether they, like Bartimaeus, will rise and come to Him with faith and expectation.