"Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way."
Throughout the Gospel of Mark the disciples have been in the dark about who Jesus is and where he is going. They are following him because they are convinced he is the Messiah of God, but they're not sure what that means exactly. Some think it is a political role and the crushing rule of the Roman Empire will be replaced by the restoration of ancient Israel. Still others see a radical transformation of Judaism being realized in the ministry of Jesus. But none of them saw Jesus as Messiah in terms of death and resurrection.
Before encountering the blind Bartimaeus Jesus had told his disciples three times that the Son of Man must suffer and die at the hands of the authorities, but on the third day he would rise. Then we meet Bartimaeus, who begs Jesus for the gift of sight. The disciples try to keep him away from Jesus, but Bartimaeus will not be dissuaded. Jesus finally comes and grants him sight, and Bartimaeus followed Jesus on the way. The way - where was Jesus going? To Jerusalem. To suffer, die, and then be raised. Bartimaeus, like the rest of us, will see what Jesus as Messiah really means.
It is odd that Jesus asks Bartimaeus, "What do you want me to do for you?" Isn't it obvious? But the real thrust of the question is this: do you really want to see the way? Are you really sure you want what you are asking? Because it involves a painful, difficult road. It involves putting aside all your own ideas about the Messiah. And ultimately it involves our own suffering and death to ourselves for the sake of others. And yet we know this is the only way - the only way that leads to ultimate fulfillment, the only way to the reign of God.
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