Then they came to Jericho...this is how our scripture from Mark begins. People have always been coming to Jericho. When we think of Jericho we often think of the walls that Joshua brought tumbling down. Jericho has the earliest examples of city fortifications. Around 8000 BCE, the city was surrounded by massive stone walls, and it even had a tower over 25 feet high. is considered the oldest known human-made stone tower in the world.
Jericho is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with evidence of settlement dating back to around 9000 BCE. Archaeologists have uncovered remains of at least 20 successive settlements in Jericho over millennia, making it one of the earliest centers of human civilization.
Jericho is located near the Ein es-Sultan spring, which has provided a consistent water source for thousands of years. This reliable water supply was critical in the ancient world, as it made Jericho a fertile oasis in the harsh desert region, allowing for early agriculture and sustained settlement. Despite being situated in the middle of an arid desert, Jericho’s consistent water supply has made it a lush, fertile area. The city is more than 800 feet below sea level, making it the lowest city on Earth, and its unique climate has supported continuous human habitation.
Jericho is located in a natural oasis and perhaps as good as any opportunity. When we talk about the depth of the material we are dealing with it is not an exaggeration to say we could construct a complete sermon from just one line. They came to Jericho. The people recording these stories certainly understood the context of Jericho.
In the Battle of Jericho, the Israelites, under Joshua’s leadership, conquer the city by following God's command to march around its walls for seven days. This victory is seen as a result of God’s intervention and the Israelites' obedience. In Joshua 6, the Israelites are commanded to march around the walls of Jericho for seven days, blowing trumpets and shouting. Their persistence, even when it might have seemed fruitless, is rewarded when the walls miraculously fall. This required great faith in God’s promise.
In Mark 10, Bartimaeus persists in calling out to Jesus despite being rebuked by the crowd. His faith in Jesus' ability to heal him drives him to continue, and his persistence is rewarded when Jesus restores his sight. Faith and perseverance in the face of opposition lead to a miraculous outcome. Jericho’s story parallels Bartimaeus’ journey of seeking and finding healing. Just as Jericho represents layers of renewal and the overcoming of barriers, Bartimaeus' call to Jesus reveals a personal journey of breaking through obstacles
We can not find anything when we look
There are no theories that test time
The duality of our existence
There are things we know to 105 trillion decimal places
Among the things that do not repeat
We know many infinities
In the Battle of Jericho, the physical walls of the city represent barriers that stand in the way of the Israelites' success and possession of the promised land. God’s intervention brings down these walls, symbolizing the breaking of obstacles to their divine inheritance. The Israelites’ conquest of Jericho represents the fulfillment of God’s promise to give them the land of Canaan. God delivers the city into their hands, as long as they faithfully obey.
Jericho is considered one of the sites where the Neolithic Revolution occurred; when the shift from hunting and gathering to farming took place. Archaeological evidence shows the inhabitants of Jericho were practicing early forms of agriculture, including the cultivation of barley and wheat. The city’s development is linked to one of the first instances of organized farming and permanent settlement.
One of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Jericho is the plastered human skulls found in the ancient ruins, dating back to around 7000 BCE. These skulls were part of burial customs, where the skulls of deceased ancestors were preserved, plastered with clay to create facial features, and sometimes decorated with shells for eyes. This practice suggests a form of ancestor veneration or early religious beliefs.
Jericho was a significant city during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It became part of the Hasmonean kingdom around the 2nd century BCE and later fell under Roman control. Herod the Great built a winter palace in Jericho and developed the city with Roman architecture and infrastructure. Jericho was an important center during this period, known for its production of dates and balsam
Jericho has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over its long history . Its location as a strategic and fertile oasis made it a target for conquerors, but it also enabled the city to rise again after destruction. Throughout ancient history, Jericho was a site of conquest, including by the Babylonians and later the Persians.
Today, Jericho is a part of the West Bank and is under the control of the Palestinian Authority. It continues to be a site of historical interest and tourism due to its rich archaeological history. Jericho’s ancient ruins, particularly the Tell es-Sultan archaeological site, attract visitors and scholars from around the world.
In math at the edge we deal in probabilities
The language of science
This should tell you something
Why can we find a thought
Even the electron sometimes alludes us
Things do not scatter how we would have them
Then they came to Jericho. They came to this opportunity that breeds success. As long as there have been places. We read in Mark 6 46-52 how Bartimaeus Receives His Sight. I read from the amplified Bible.
46 Then they came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting beside the road [as was his custom].
People had survived in this place as long as there had been places to survive. Spiritual success, like physical healing, is often tied to recognizing and seizing moments of grace. Just as opportunities in life can lead to success, moments of divine opportunity—like encountering Jesus—can lead to spiritual breakthroughs. Bartimaeus' encounter was an opportunity like so many in Jericho God provided.
47 When Bartimaeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout and say, “Jesus, Son of David (Messiah), have mercy on me!” 48 Many sternly rebuked him, telling him to keep still and be quiet; but he kept on shouting out all the more, “Son of David (Messiah), have mercy on me!
Bartimaeus seizes the opportunity by crying out, even when the crowd tries to silence him. This reflects the idea that opportunities for success or change are often fleeting, and recognizing them is crucial to experiencing success. Bartimaeus doesn’t passively wait for Jesus to notice him—he actively takes initiative. His persistence in calling out, even when others rebuke him, shows that success is often born from those who recognize an opportunity and take bold action. Just as Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus, success often requires us to actively pursue opportunities, even in the face of obstacles.
49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, telling him, “Take courage, get up! He is calling for you.”
“Take courage, get up! He is calling for you.” The rebukes turn to this joyous good news. "Take courage, get up! He is calling for you.”
50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
So here we find ourselves too. What do you want Jesus to do for you?
You know one of my favorite things is good answers. As a teacher and especially a parent. I have an affinity for black and white problems. This I believe lead me to serve in different parts of the world. In a war there are clear things that need to be fixed. It is easy to know where to start in my experience. In our community it can be challenging to know where to start. These moments require both humility and courage—qualities that define both the act of faith and Jesus’ ministry.
I have this belief that any success I have had in life has come from opportunity. The lack of opportunity in places in our community brings failure and blindness.
The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni (my Master), let me regain my sight.”
He knew where to begin. Rabbi, I want to see”— this demonstrates both faith and clarity of purpose. His success comes not only because the opportunity presented itself, but because he had the faith and boldness to act on it. This reflects the spiritual dimension of the saying "opportunity breeds success," where faith allows us to take hold of divine opportunities for transformation.
52 Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith [and confident trust in My power] has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Jesus on the road.
Bartimaeus’ blindness symbolizes the human struggle with understanding deeper truths and reflects on our attempts to grasp complex realities. Bartimaeus, despite his blindness, "sees" something deeper—his faith in Jesus and the possibility of healing. In contrast we often struggle to capture the truth which points to the limitations of human perception.
The persistent cry of Bartimaeus might reflect the human desire to understand, to find meaning in the chaos and complexity of life. There's a sense of searching, of wrestling with the boundaries of what can be known. Bartimaeus doesn’t give up, even when others tell him to be silent, just as we continue to search even though "things do not scatter how we would have them."
Bartimaeus’ faith in Jesus mirrors a kind of faith in the unknown, much like the trust in scientific theories that often deal with probabilities rather than certainties. There is more beyond what we can measure or know, just as Bartimaeus’ faith extends beyond what he can see. Jesus invites Bartimaeus to state his desire, and through faith, he receives sight.
In Mark 10, Bartimaeus' sight is restored, which represents not just physical healing but also spiritual insight and revelation. There's a feeling of elusiveness, but that does not mean we stop searching—whether in sight, knowledge, or understanding—there is potential for overcoming limits through faith, perseverance, and revelation.
Yes, there is a compelling relationship between the concept of "opportunity breeds success" and Mark 10:46-52, the story of Bartimaeus, the blind man who receives his sight from Jesus. In this passage, Bartimaeus’ faith and his seizing of the opportunity when Jesus passes by ultimately lead to his healing and restoration.
Faith is an Opportunity for Healing. The healing of Bartimaeus combines two elements: Jesus’ power (grace) and Bartimaeus’ willingness to seize the opportunity (initiative). This relationship between divine grace and human response is at the heart of the phrase "opportunity breeds success" in a spiritual context. Jesus provides the opportunity for healing, and Bartimaeus' faith and persistence make the success (healing) possible.
In both life and faith, success often requires not only the availability of opportunity but also the wisdom, faith, and courage to seize it, much like Bartimaeus seizing the moment when Jesus was near. Where there is success there is opportunity. Where there is trouble there is a lack of opportunity In the story of Bartimaeus, Jericho becomes a place of personal transformation. Bartimaeus receives his sight showing Jericho once again as a site of divine action and intervention.
For Bartimaeus, his blindness is a personal barrier—one that isolates him and diminishes his quality of life. His faith in Jesus allows this barrier to be broken down. Something that seemed immovable (the walls of Jericho and Bartimaeus’ blindness) is overcome through divine power.
In Mark 10, Bartimaeus' healing reflects the fulfillment of Jesus' role as the Messiah who brings restoration and healing. Bartimaeus' faith leads to his physical and spiritual restoration, a manifestation of Jesus’ mission to save and restore those who seek Him.
In Joshua 6, the walls of Jericho fall after the Israelites shout in faith following God’s instruction. The shout is a powerful symbol of faith in action—an expression of trust in God’s promise. Bartimaeus’ shout is also key to his miracle. Despite the crowd’s attempt to silence him, he continues to cry out to Jesus, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" His voice, like the shout of the Israelites, becomes the catalyst for divine intervention.
Both stories depict a victory over seemingly insurmountable obstacles. For the Israelites, it’s the impenetrable walls of Jericho; for Bartimaeus, it’s his lifelong blindness. In both cases, victory comes not through human strength or logic, but through faith and divine power.
After the fall of Jericho, the Israelites moved further into the Promised Land, symbolizing a new chapter of their journey. In Bartimaeus’ story, his sight is restored, marking a new chapter in his life. Both stories symbolize transformation—a new beginning through faith and divine intervention.
The story of Jericho and Bartimaeus emphasize the power of faith, persistence, and God’s intervention to overcome significant barriers, whether they be physical walls or personal limitations. Jericho is a place where divine power breaks through the impossible, and both stories illustrate how God’s promises and transformative power are realized through faith.
Yes, Jericho holds fascinating significance not only in religious texts but also in secular history and archaeology. One of the Oldest Inhabited Cities in the World. The “Spring of Jericho." Jericho and the Agricultural Revolution. The "Jericho Skulls." Destruction and Rebuilding.
Jericho’s significance extends far beyond its biblical narrative. As one of the world’s oldest cities, its history is a testament to human civilization, showcasing early advances in agriculture, architecture, and urban development. Its role as a thriving settlement throughout multiple ages—from the Neolithic era to the Roman period—makes it a fascinating focal point for both archaeology and history.
Jericho Has Seen the Longest Series of Human Settlements. Despite numerous destructions and abandonments, people kept returning to the same location because of its fertile land and access to water. Suffering and Restoration
Isaiah 53 describes the Suffering Servant, who endures pain, rejection, and suffering on behalf of others, ultimately leading to their healing and salvation. This servant "bears our griefs" and "by his wounds, we are healed" (Isaiah 53:4-5).
In Mark 10:46-52, Bartimaeus is physically blind and marginalized, much like the "despised and rejected" servant in Isaiah. His encounter with Jesus brings about his restoration and healing, symbolizing the transformative power of faith. The healing of Bartimaeus can be seen as a reflection of the servant's role in bringing healing and redemption to those who believe.
Isaiah 53 implies that the Suffering Servant's sacrifice requires faith and belief in order to receive the benefits of salvation: "the righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous" (Isaiah 53:11).
In Mark, Bartimaeus's faith is central to his healing. When Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus, "Son of David, have mercy on me," he expresses a deep faith in Jesus' ability to heal. Jesus responds to Bartimaeus with, "Go; your faith has made you well" (Mark 10:52). This echoes the redemptive power of faith described in Isaiah 53, where those who turn to the servant are restored and healed.
Isaiah 53:3: "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." The Suffering Servant is portrayed as someone who is rejected by society but still fulfills God's redemptive plan.
Bartimaeus is a blind beggar, someone who was an outcast in society. People even rebuke him and try to silence him when he cries out to Jesus. However, like the servant in Isaiah 53, Bartimaeus' condition doesn't disqualify him from receiving mercy and healing. Instead, it is his faith that draws Jesus' attention, not his social status or physical condition. Bartimaeus’ physical blindness contrasts with his spiritual insight—he “sees” Jesus’ identity and calls out. Opportunities, spiritual or otherwise, arrive but require us to act with faith and persistence to seize them.
Jesus acts as the compassionate intercessor for Bartimaeus. He hears Bartimaeus' plea and asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" (Mark 10:51), showing a deep care and willingness to restore the outcast. Jesus' response to Bartimaeus mirrors the servant's willingness to bear suffering on behalf of others, providing both physical and spiritual healing.
The servant in Isaiah 53 plays a role in opening people’s eyes to the truth and providing a path to spiritual restoration, despite being "despised" and misunderstood by many. The imagery in Isaiah 53 of bearing the sins and suffering of others can be seen as a metaphor for the restoration of vision, both spiritual and moral.
In Mark 10:46-52, Bartimaeus’ blindness symbolizes both physical and spiritual blindness. Jesus not only restores his physical sight, but his act of healing can be interpreted as a spiritual awakening—Bartimaeus follows Jesus afterward, symbolizing his full transformation.
Isaiah 53 and the Mark 10:46-52 passage are connected through the themes of suffering, healing, and redemption. Both passages emphasize the power of faith and the idea that God’s mercy is extended to those who are rejected or marginalized. The healing of Bartimaeus serves as a practical example of the redemptive role of Jesus, who, like the Suffering Servant of Isaiah, brings healing and restoration to those who believe, fulfilling the deeper promises of redemption found in Isaiah 53.
The ancient city of Jericho offers several stories that reflect the theme of "opportunity breeds success," where people or events reveal the power of taking advantage of opportunities to achieve success or overcome obstacles. Rahab’s Opportunity for Redemption (Joshua 2) Rahab was a prostitute living in Jericho, saw an opportunity to protect the Israelite spies who had come to scout the city. She hid them from the city’s guards and helped them escape in exchange for a promise that her family would be spared during the upcoming battle. Rahab recognized the Israelites’ God was powerful and used this opportunity to make a deal with the spies. When the walls of Jericho fell, Rahab and her family were the only people spared in the city. Her decision to take this opportunity led to her redemption, and she later became part of the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5), showing how seizing a pivotal moment led to lasting success and honor.
Due to its location near the Jordan River and proximity to the Dead Sea, Jericho became a vital stop on ancient trade routes. Merchants and travelers passed through the city, exchanging goods and ideas, which boosted the city’s economy. The city’s location made it an ideal hub for trade between Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Levant, creating an opportunity for economic prosperity. By capitalizing on its strategic position, Jericho became a wealthy and influential city in ancient times. Its economy thrived due to salt trade, agricultural produce, and luxury goods such as balsam. This economic success was built on taking advantage of the city’s prime geographical location.
In modern times, Jericho capitalized on its rich historical significance and natural beauty (the nearby Mount of Temptation, Dead Sea, and ancient ruins) to become a popular tourist destination. The city has marketed itself as both a religious and archaeological site, attracting visitors from around the world.
Recognizing its heritage, Jericho developed infrastructure to support tourism, with hotels, tours, and conservation efforts centered on its ancient sites and historical legacy. Tourism has become a major source of income for Jericho. The city’s successful efforts to promote its cultural and historical importance have created job opportunities and boosted its local economy. This modern success stems from taking advantage of the city’s unique past and its natural resources.
These secular stories of Jericho highlight how opportunities in agriculture, trade, archaeology, and tourism were seized to achieve success across different eras. From the city’s earliest settlers to modern-day archaeologists and tourism developers, Jericho’s history reflects the principle that identifying and leveraging opportunities can lead to long-lasting success.
We also encounter walls and blindness in our lives. This is why these stories feed our very existence. Reflect on the obstacles that prevent you from spiritual or personal growth and know Jesus is the one who breaks down these barriers. Bartimaeus’ physical blindness contrasts with his spiritual insight—he “sees” Jesus’ identity and calls out.
As we go out into the week ahead, I invite each of you to look for those moments where faith meets opportunity—those times where a step in trust, a word of kindness, or an act of courage could transform the ordinary into something sacred. May we remain open to these invitations from God, ready to meet them with willing hearts and steady faith. Go with eyes open to the possibilities that await.
What are the walls we need to break down in our own lives, and how might our faith in Christ lead us to see the opportunities for grace before us?
Let us Pray:
Gracious and ever-present God, we thank You for the moments in which You open our eyes, revealing truth and offering healing. Give us the courage to call out, like Bartimaeus, in faith and in trust, even when the world presses us to stay silent. Strengthen our hearts to recognize Your presence in every opportunity, and to respond with boldness and hope. Guide us through the barriers we face, and fill us with compassion for others in their struggles. Let Your love and mercy move through us to bring sight, healing, and peace. Amen.
Benediction:
May you go forward in faith, seeing the paths that God opens before you, walking with courage and with hearts attuned to grace. In every step, may you be surrounded by peace and strengthened to see and share love in all you do. Amen.
