NOTES for Mar 10:48
Different people react differently to Jesus' appearance. And as a rule, the most direct reaction belongs to those who seek help from Him, most often healing. This is understandable: such people usually have nothing to lose. What can be demanded from a blind beggar sitting by the main road? Those around him try to make him be silent, or at least not shout so loudly.
They can be understood: by this time very different rumors about Jesus were circulating among the people, and attitudes toward Him and His preaching were ambiguous. To many respected and authoritative people in religious society it appeared at least doubtful. But the blind beggar at the roadside cared little about these respected and authoritative people: none of them could help him. And the respected and authoritative people did not need him. Of course, they gave him alms, and he did not die of hunger.
But that was the limit of what he could receive from society and from respected people in society. And here is someone who can truly help, heal, and deliver from blindness. Some preacher. People say he is a prophet. Perhaps not a prophet, but he heals; that is certain. If such a person passes by on the road, how can one fail to use the opportunity? How can one fail to call out? Especially if to receive sight is the main goal and the main meaning of life. Here an important spiritual law works: for relationships with God, relationships with Christ, to be full, they must become unconditional. A person must follow Christ without looking back.
Without looking back at tradition, customs, or religious authorities. Otherwise nothing will come of it. And to go this way, one needs inner freedom from all this. Freedom like that of the blind man by the road, who has nothing to lose. Who wants one thing, and wants it with all his soul, with his whole being. He, of course, does not yet understand with Whom he is dealing. But his determination is great, unlike that of those who try to make him be silent. And thanks to this determination and trust in the Stranger, the blind beggar receives what he desires. Those who tried to make him be silent receive nothing. This is not surprising: after all, they were not looking for anything.