Mark 10: A Political Commentary on Marginalization and Access
We are living through a time of great difficulty and great complexity.
The way things “used” to work and function has gone to the wayside, and the speed at which things change around us on a cultural and sociological level has increased. This is what I mean by great difficulty.
Out of the great difficulty comes the great complexity.
As church leaders recognize the limitation of dated methodology—the how of ministry—we are left with recognizing the harm the systems have caused. We realize that the narrow scope has limited our understanding of ministry, and now, pastors and leaders must process through the layers of complexity.
The only way forward is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus’ mission of redemption, reconciliation, and restoration while wrestling with how best to seek the last and least among us. The longer I am in pastoral ministry, the more convinced I am that no one should be left out, but the church is slow to adjust and realign with Jesus' way.
It is slow and tedious work that requires humility and grace, which is how Jesus modeled his ministry.
As we face the challenges of our ministry work, Mark 10 offers powerful insights into the way of the Kingdom. It provides political commentary, disciple-making in the way of Christ, and theological implications of how the church should interact with the marginalized.
Mark 10 invites us to reflect on our role in building a community that includes everyone, especially those often overlooked. As the reader, we are asked to consider how we are creating spaces of hope for the mission of Jesus to be embodied.
Let’s look at this story.
As Jesus travels through Jericho on his way to the Passover, he encounters Bartimaeus, a blind beggar. The main road is busy with people, filled with noise and excitement.
This was a common occurrence when Jesus arrived in a city.
People came.
Crowds gathered.
Wanting to hear.
Waiting to see.
Many wanted to see Jesus. In this chaos, Bartimaeus cries out for mercy. Mark 10:47:
When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
What a beautiful, powerful, decisive moment, but the people around him didn’t think so.
The crowd tries to silence him, but luckily, he persists. This moment highlights an important truth: sometimes, those around you don’t understand.
But Jesus hears Bartimaeus’s cries.
He stops.
This simple act is significant.
The King of the Kingdom heard Bartimaeus.
Despite the noise.
Despite the chaos.
Despite many other voices calling for Jesus.
The King of the Kingdom heard Bartimaeus.
He heard the one who others tried to silence.
The King of the Kingdom hears our prayers. The King of the Kingdom sees those often overlooked where they are, among the last, the lost, and the least.
There are people in your churches, gatherings, and neighborhoods feeling overlooked, but remember that Jesus is attentive and invites them to share their struggles with him.
Now, the neat thing is Jesus didn’t just hear him. He did something. Jesus brought him to himself. Mark 10:49:
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
When Jesus calls Bartimaeus to come, he creates a spectacle. He could have easily gone over to him quickly and gone on his way, but he caused everyone around him to stop by calling Bartimaeus to himself.
He made those who tried to silence him the ones who brought him to Jesus.
This action challenges societal norms.
This action elevates Bartimaeus as he is served by those who say Jesus did not want anything to do with him.
Jesus elevates those whom the church tries to silence.
Think about how your church responds to those who are marginalized. The USA has no shortage of people who are disadvantaged, outcasted, and neglected. I think of immigrants, homeless people, the disabled, racial minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community with many others in mind.
Are they welcomed?
Are they pushed aside?
Are they even considered?
Jesus’ actions encourage us to consider how we are creating spaces of hope in a difficult and complex world. Jesus’ actions ask us if we hold the same posture that Jesus held toward the excluded.
Jesus’ actions demonstrate that those we often overlook have an audience with the King of the Kingdom.
Jesus’ actions challenges us to consider how we can be more inclusive.
It is important to note that for Herewithin, we define “inclusive” as equal access and value that is mutually beneficial for all.
Now, we have seen the posture of the King of the Kingdom, but we need to look at the posture of Bartimaeus.
Bartimaeus recognized Jesus as the Messiah and recognized his need for redemption, reconciliation, and restoration. This acknowledgment is more than a title; it signifies a deep understanding of who Jesus is.
As church leaders, we must affirm Christ's full identity in our communities. This affirmation shapes our interactions with others and our understanding of and engagement with God’s mission.
Now, there is something neat when we look at the over arching rhythm that Mark 10 presents. It shows contrasting responses to Jesus by people and the crowd around him.
Mark 10:1-12
The Pharisees attack Him,
and no one stops them.
yet they do not embrace Jesus.
Mark 10:13-16
Children draw near,
but others try to stop them.
yet they are welcomed by Jesus.
Mark 10:17-31
A rich man approaches,
and no one stops him,
yet he does not embrace Jesus.
Mark 10:46-52
Finally, Bartimaeus calls out,
and the crowd tries to silence him,
yet he is welcomed by Jesus.
This rhythm raises essential questions about access to Christ within your church today. This question requires church leaders to reflect on their relationship with power and the overlooked.
By this, I mean that the same access Jesus provided to Bartimaeus is available to all.
Understanding the theological implications of Jesus' actions can guide our approach to ministry. Jesus’ authority is evident as he stops for Bartimaeus. He prioritizes the needs of the overlooked and silenced.
The Kingdom of God is inclusive—all-embracing, full, complete, and without exception for those who are willing to receive.
The biblical witness continually demonstrates that the King of the Kingdom welcomes those society often rejects, but that is not what the church reflects.
Your faith should compel you to serve those on the margins actively.
Prayer should lead to action.
Jesus’s response to Bartimaeus illustrates that you must be willing to act on behalf of those who may feel unseen.
To listen for the voices that are being silenced.
To engage.
To listen.
To challenge the norms.
To build relationships.
To pray.
To create spaces of hope.
Jesus’ actions remind me that everyone deserves a voice and access to the Kingdom, and I hope you take time to consider what that means for you because your response can make a difference for those who need it most. The story of Bartimaeus is not just a historical account; it is included in scripture for a reason. It is a call to action for me.
For you.
For your church.
Jesus sees you and hears you.
Jesus calls you to see and hear others.
And the call is clear: be attentive and be Jesus' hands and feet in your community.
May we embrace this call and build spaces together that reflect Christ's heart and embody the values of the Kingdom.