"When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus from Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout out, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!'"

Mark 10:47

In the first century, calling a man the "Son of David" implied more than acknowledgment of his royal ancestry.  For generations many Jews had been anticipating the arrival of a great Messiah, who would be a descendant of King David.  This Messiah would bring salvation to God's people and rule them forever.  So when Bartimaeus addressed Jesus as "Son of David," he was expressing his belief that Jesus was this Savior that God had promised.  Jesus rewarded his faith and restored his sight.  Not everyone who met Jesus had the eyes of faith that Bartimaeus had.  Let us worship Jesus as the "Son of David," the Savior of his people.

Prayer for the week: Son of David, we worship you as the Messiah, who has come to redeem your people from the power of sin.  Grant us the eyes of faith to believe in you, and teach us to live as citizens of your kingdom.  Amen