Would that God would give us the gift to see ourselves as others see us. (Robert Burns)

This well-worn saying applies to the man in our Scripture. God was giving him the chance to see himself as another saw him. However, in this instance the other was Jesus, and that made all the difference. Through the eyes of Jesus, the man was privileged to see himself in the best possible light, the light of infinite worth in which Jesus views us all.

Bartimaeus cried out for mercy. Rebuked by the disciples, he cried out the more. Finally, Jesus told those around him to call the man. “Take heart; rise, he is calling you.” Springing up, Bartimaeus ran to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

“Master, let me receive my sight.”

Then the marvelous words, “Go your way; your faith has made …