He, throwing aside his cloak, stood up and came to Jesus.
Bartimaeus’s quick response is a living sign of faith. His cloak could have been an important possession for him, a beggar’s protection and perhaps the place where he sat, but he throws it aside so that he may come to Christ without delay. This symbolizes that at the moment of the Lord’s call a person must leave behind what hinders swift obedience. He is still blind, yet he is already moving toward the Light. His feet follow the voice of his faith. This episode shows that true faith not only cries out, but also rises and comes to Christ.