Throwing off his cloak
At the time of Jesus, Jericho was known as an oasis city. In fact, Herod the Great built his winter palace near here because of its warm climate and fresh water springs. The Bible describes Jericho as the ‘City of Palm Trees.’
We can safely say that Bartimaeus in this week’s Gospel Mark 10: 46-52 was not wearing a cloak, during the day, to protect him from the cold temperature. Therefore we can interpret the Gospel line ‘And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus’ that he was using it as protection against things other than the weather.
It could have been a protection against shame, fear, ridicule, insults or embarassment. In fact the narrative says that when he called out to Jesus, many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. His was a life marked by limitation and dependency on others' charity.
By casting it aside, he wasn't making a practical move; he was shedding the very thing that defined his existence as a blind beggar. In letting go of his cloak, Bartimaeus was leaving behind the familiar safety net of his past.
This bold act of surrender and faith paved the way for a profound encounter with Jesus, where he received both healing and a renewed identity. In this simple but powerful gesture, Bartimaeus exemplifies the courage needed to abandon the insecurities that hold us back, stepping out in trust toward the life Christ offers.
We can imagine him, walking tentatively forward, hands outstretched, groping in his darkness, yet moving forward anxiously toward Jesus. He moves, feeling his way, his heart racing with anticipation and hope. Every step he takes is filled with determination, as he presses on toward Jesus, whose voice he has heard but whose face he cannot see. In that moment, Bartimaeus’ blindness is no obstacle; his faith guides him, propelling him forward through the darkness toward the light of Christ.
We also wear cloaks to protect us from our insecurities. Cloaks that shield us from vulnerability and from placing our full trust in God. Just as Bartimaeus cast aside his cloak to approach Jesus unencumbered, we too are invited to let go of the barriers that keep us from fully embracing God’s grace. We stand up and move forward tentatively, our hands outstretched, feeling for Jesus.
Letting go of these 'cloaks' requires courage, yet in doing so, we open ourselves to a transformation that can only come from Jesus. This Gospel passage challenges us to identify the cloaks we cling to and to trust that in releasing them, we, like Bartimaeus, will be met with healing, renewal, and a life transformed by faith.
Friend, as we approach Advent and Christmas, let it be a journey of faith and courage. Let us also throw off our cloaks. To help us do so, I have written a book A Season of Hope with reflections to guide us toward Jesus on Christmas Day. Get one today at the following link A Season of Hope LINK