I never expected that the loose change in my pocket would lead to the change I didn't know I needed. But that's exactly what happened when I encountered Jesus. His transformative power continues to reach into the depths of my soul, mending the broken pieces and reshaping my life in ways I never could have imagined. As I walk through this journey of faith, I can sometimes see the ripple effects of my own transformation. My relationships, my priorities, and my perspective on the world around me shift. In this, something remarkable happens: others take notice. They see something in me. Slowly but surely, my life begins to inspire those around me, igniting a spark of hope and curiosity in their own hearts. I received this kind note at the end of last year from a friend:
“Peter, Thank you for being someone who spurred me on this year! You have encouraged and inspired me in my leadership and learning as a Pastor. Thx for being part of my 2023!”
Just like Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus, whose lives were forever altered by their encounters with Jesus, I discovered that my own transformation had the power to impact my community in ways I never could have anticipated. And so, I invite you to join me on this journey of exploring the unexpected places where change and transformation come from, and how our own stories can become a catalyst for hope and healing in a world that desperately needs it.
In both Luke's and Mark's gospels, we find a similar account of Jesus journeying to Jericho on His final trip to Jerusalem.
As Jesus arrives in Jericho, crowds begin to gather around Him (Luke 18:35). Amidst the commotion, a blind man named Bartimaeus inquires about the cause of the disturbance. He is told, "Jesus is coming." This is Bartimaeus's opportunity! He has heard about Jesus, the reputed healer who preaches and changes lives. Bartimaeus has undoubtedly heard stories of Jesus healing lepers, enabling the lame to walk, and restoring sight to the blind. Why couldn't he be next?
Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus, hoping to capture His attention. The crowd tries to silence Bartimaeus, questioning why a revered teacher and holy man would want anything to do with a pitiful, blind beggar. Yet, Jesus shows incredible grace and kindness. He reaches out to those marginalized and silenced, those who are helpless and, literally in this case, blind.
I love in Jesus healing Bartimaeus, we see a profound demonstration of Jesus' compassion, empathy, and desire to involve those He helps in the process of their own healing. Instead of simply assuming what Bartimaeus needs or wants, Jesus takes a moment to engage with him personally, asking, "What do you want me to do for you?" (Mark 10:51)
This question is a powerful invitation for Bartimaeus to express his deepest longing and to participate actively in his own restoration. By asking this question, Jesus shows respect for Bartimaeus' agency and dignity, acknowledging that he has a voice and a choice in what happens to him.
Bartimaeus responds immediately and clearly: "Rabbi, I want to see" (Mark 10:51). He knows precisely what he needs and asks for it boldly. Moved by Bartimaeus' faith and determination, Jesus grants his request and restores his sight. When everyone sees this, the very people who were previously telling him to be quiet end up glorifying God for the miracle they've witnessed (Luke 18:43).
Jesus encounters a tax-collector named Zacchaeus as he continues. Zacchaeus was not popular in Jericho. Despite being a Jew, he worked for the Roman occupiers, collecting taxes from the people on their behalf. By aiding the enemy and profiting from their money, he was seen as a traitor. Surely one would expect Jesus to criticize Zacchaeus for his betrayal and allegiance to Rome above his own people.
Zacchaeus, being small in stature, had difficulty seeing Jesus through the crowd. To get a better view, he climbed up a tree. As Jesus approached, he noticed Zacchaeus in the tree and called him down. Then, to the crowd's surprise, Jesus invited himself over to Zacchaeus' house for a meal.
In the customs of the ancient Near East, sharing a meal was a sign of closeness and association. By dining with Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, Jesus was publicly associating himself with him, which would have likely upset the crowd.
Luke recounts that during dinner, Zacchaeus proclaims his intention to abandon his sinful ways (Luke 19:1-10). He not only pledges to reform but also promises to donate half of his wealth to the poor. Furthermore, he vows to repay four times over anyone he has deceived. What a transformation! Imagine Zacchaeus knocking on your door to return four times the amount of money he claimed you owed. Or, if you were impoverished due to life circumstances, picture the man who could imprison you for unpaid taxes, actually giving you money!
The lives of both Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus were profoundly changed by Jesus, and their transformations impacted their town. When the crowds saw Jesus show compassion towards Bartimaeus and restore his sight, their initial demands for silence turned into rejoicing in God's favor and goodness. Similarly, when Jesus touched Zacchaeus' heart, he significantly improved the economic status of many in the city. The richest man in town shared his wealth with the people.
What has God done in you? What has God done for you? How has Jesus touched your soul?
Our families, relationships, workplaces, towns, and cities transform when God's people live out their transformed lives among those who knew them before. They represent the same Jesus who transformed them.
In the story of Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus, we can see ourselves in the blind beggar – broken, hurting, and oppressed, and at times, even oppressing others through our words and actions even unintentionally. But Jesus sees us in our brokenness and calls us to Himself. When we cry out to Him in faith, He invites us to express our deepest needs and responds with love, healing, and transformation.
As we experience Jesus' saving grace, we are given a new identity in Christ and called to follow Him on the path of discipleship. We have the opportunity to extend the same love and grace to others that we have received, being a voice of hope and encouragement to those experiencing brokenness and pain.
We point people to Jesus. We testify to God's goodness and graciousness demonstrated in our lives. We don't silence the marginalized, neglect the hurting, the ostracized, the queer, the poor, the democrat, the republican, the conservative, the liberal, or the progressive. Instead, we represent a new way of being, a new perspective on the world. We invite them over for dinner, share our stories, offer a ride, a coffee, or lend a hand when asked. It’s in these intimate and trusted spaces where lives are transformed by Jesus through the Spirit of God.
For the follower of Jesus, this is our calling. Don't wait for someone else to do what God has equipped and given you the opportunity to do. Who needs Jesus around you? Invite them in. Lift them up. See them as Jesus saw Bartimaeus. Be with them as Jesus was with Zacchaeus. Let's see what God will do as you share what Jesus did for you.