Book of Common Prayer

Judgment is coming—so get on with your work

4 This is my solemn charge to you, in the presence of God and Messiah Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearance and his kingdom: ² announce the word; keep going whether the time is right or wrong; rebuke, warn and encourage with all patience and explanation. ³ The time is coming, you see, when people won’t tolerate healthy teaching. Their ears will start to itch, and they will collect for themselves teachers who will tell them what they want to hear. ⁴ They will turn away from listening to the truth and will go after myths instead. ⁵ But as for you, keep your balance in everything! Put up with suffering; do the work of an evangelist; complete the particular task assigned to you.

Waiting for the crown

⁶ For I am already being poured out as a drink-offering; my departure time has arrived. ⁷ I have fought the good fight; I have completed the course; I have kept the faith. ⁸ What do I still have to look for? The crown of righteousness! The Lord, the righteous judge, will give it to me as my reward on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Jesus heals a blind beggar

⁴⁶ They came to Jericho. As Jesus, his disciples and a substantial crowd were leaving the town, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road. ⁴⁷ When he heard it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out: “Son of David! Jesus! Take pity on me!”

⁴⁸ Lots of people told him crossly to be quiet. But he shouted out all the louder, “Son of David—take pity on me!”

⁴⁹ Jesus came to a stop. “Call him,” he said.

So they called the blind man.

“Cheer up,” they said, “and get up. He’s calling you.”

⁵⁰ He flung his cloak aside, jumped up, and came to Jesus.

Jesus saw him coming. ⁵¹ “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

“Teacher,” the blind man said, “let me see again.”

⁵² “Off you go,” said Jesus. “Your faith has saved you.” And immediately he saw again, and he followed him on the way.