What Do You Want Me To Do For You? We spring into action when what we need seems at hand. The verbs describing Bartimaeus’s actions in this gospel say everything about faith, encountering Jesus, and choosing to follow him. He cried out, kept calling, threw aside his cloak, sprang up and came to Jesus, stated his request, received his sight, followed Jesus. Such need, such urgency, such conviction! These verbs describe Bartimaeus’s faith-in-action, his deepening relationship with Jesus. Indeed, does anyone approach Jesus except out of boldness born of need and faith in him? Bartimaeus has faith. Faith that Jesus will hear him, faith that Jesus is the Son of David who has power, faith that Jesus will have pity on him, faith that Jesus will heal him. Bartimaeus’s faith was rewarded, but even more than he thought he needed. Jesus also assures him of being saved. Bartimaeus’s actions are the manifestation of his faith. Jesus’ actions are a manifestation of his saving power in response to another’s faith. The blind Bartimaeus knows exactly his position in relation to the community: off to the side and begging. He also knows his position in relation to Jesus: crying out, springing up, following. His position in relation to the community arises from his need; his position in relation to Jesus arises from his faith. Indeed, does anyone approach Jesus except out of boldness born of need and faith in him?