What Must You Leave Behind to Follow Jesus?
Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us.”
Mark 10:50 – “And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.”
As Jesus journeyed the Jericho Road on His way to Jerusalem and the cross, He had several significant encounters. One of the most compelling is His meeting with Bartimaeus—a blind beggar. This encounter, the miraculous healing, and Bartimaeus’s decision to follow Jesus are recorded in all three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 20:29–34; Mark 10:46–52; Luke 18:35–43). Only Mark, however, gives the man’s name: Bartimaeus.
Bartimaeus was not begging at random. He had intentionally positioned himself on a busy route where pilgrims traveled to Jerusalem for Passover. Knowing that giving to the poor was a core value in Judaism, he chose a spot with the highest potential for generosity.
As Jesus approached, Bartimaeus must have sensed something different. He could likely discern the size and tone of passing groups. Learning that Jesus of Nazareth was among them, Bartimaeus changed his cry. No longer a passive “alms for the poor,” he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Despite being rebuked by some, Bartimaeus refused to be silenced. His persistence paid off—Jesus stopped and called for him.
At that call, Bartimaeus immediately responded. Mark notes that he “threw off his cloak” to go to Jesus. This cloak was likely his most valuable possession, offering comfort, warmth, and protection. But in that moment, it became a hindrance. He discarded it without hesitation to run to Jesus—and Scripture never records him returning for it.
One commentator writes:
“His response to the call of Jesus was immediate and eager, so eager that he cast off his hindering cloak to run to Jesus the more quickly. Many a man hears the call of Jesus but says, ‘Wait until I’ve done this’ or ‘finished that.’ Bartimaeus came like a shot when Jesus called. Certain chances happen only once… Often, we don’t act—and the chance is gone.”
Earlier in Mark 10 (vv. 17–22), we see a very different response from the “rich young ruler.” Unlike Bartimaeus, he clung to his possessions and walked away sorrowful—he kept everything and lost Jesus. Bartimaeus left everything, gained Jesus, and followed, “glorifying God,” Luke 18:43.
So, we must ask: What do we need to leave behind to truly follow Jesus? As individuals, as a church, and as an association, what is our “cloak”? What hinders us from wholeheartedly following Jesus?
Praying and cheering for you,
Jeff