Mk.10:52 – Jesus responded, “Your faith heals you. Go in peace, with your sight restored.” All at once, the man’s eyes opened and he could see again, and he began at once to follow Jesus, walking down the road with him.

Apparently Bartimaeus (the blind man) had had quite enough of Jericho. For this blind man it was the end of the road or you could say the beginning of a new road. To Bartimaeus, Jericho was a sad reminder of a miserable life. From this day forward he would follow Jesus. For those that know the story this was Jesus’ last stop before Jerusalem; shortly there would be the triumphal entry and all of the events preceding the Lord’s death. For Bartimaeus he was fine with that, one day he was blind and the next day he was walking with Jesus in His final entry into Jerusalem. He had really no other alternatives, He would follow Jesus now to the very end. Here is a quote from Henry followed by the Pillar Commentary.

“When he had received his sight, he followed Jesus in the way. He showed by this that he was thoroughly healed, that he no longer needed anyone to lead him. He also showed his gratitude, by using his sight to follow Christ. It is not enough to come to Christ for spiritual healing; when we are healed, we must continue to follow him. Those who have spiritual eyesight see a beauty in Christ that will effectively draw them to run after him (SS 1:4).”

“Jesus has transformed Bartimaeus from a beggar beside the road (v. 46) to a disciple on the road (v. 52). Faith that does not lead to discipleship is not saving faith. Whoever asks of Jesus must be willing to follow Jesus . . . even on the uphill road to the cross.”

So the road Bartimaeus was now on was heading literally to the cross. When Bartimaeus found himself in the throngs of people that Palm Sunday all he could do was get a little closer to the One who had opened his eyes. Just yesterday he couldn’t see anything, today he entered Jerusalem with eyes wide open. Celebration and worship filled the atmosphere; the deaf mutes were singing for joy, the paralyzed were dancing with all their might, and the blind couldn’t take their eyes off of Jesus. How is it with your soul this Palm Sunday? Maybe you should put on your dancing shoes and join in on the celebration.