At this time of year, we all make promises or resolutions to
change our lives in better ways. Usually, we fail to meet up to the higher
standards that we set for ourselves. The changes that we hope to make often
fall by the wayside.
But what would
happen if Jesus were to intervene in our lives and make positive changes that
we could not diminish or alter? What would happen to our lives and those of
others around us?
This short series
looks at some of the people who met Jesus and whose circumstances were changed
forever.
Study 01: “I Can See!” – The Story of Blind Bartimaeus
Mark 10:46-52
(also in Matthew 20:29-34 &
Luke 18:35-43)
46 Then they came to
Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving
the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by
the roadside begging.
47 When he heard that
it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout,
"Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on
me!"
48 Many rebuked him
and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have
mercy on me!"
49 Jesus stopped and
said, "Call him." So they called to
the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you."
50 Throwing his cloak
aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
51 "What do you
want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to
see."
52 "Go," said Jesus, "your faith
has healed you."Immediately he received his sight
and followed Jesus along the
road.
Questions for Discussion
What do you think Jesus and His disciples were doing in this passage?
What
is Bartimaeus doing?
How does the blind man know that Jesus is there? What do you
think he has heard about him?
Why does he shout? Why does he call Jesus the ‘Son of David’?
What is the reaction of the crowd? How does Bartimaeus respond?
What does Jesus do? How does that change the attitude of the
crowd? What is Bartimaeus’ response?
Why does Jesus ask him what he wants from Him? Isn’t it
obvious? Why does Bartimaeus now call Jesus ‘Rabbi’?
Did Jesus heal Bartimaeus? Why is faith necessary here? What
is the outcome of the event? How is Bartimaeus’ life changed forever?
Further
discussion
Pope Benedict has stated that today’s Church is the equivalent
of Bartimaeus. What do you think he means by this?
Is the Church blind? If so, how can we be healed?
Any other
comments?
Next Week
Go and Sin No More – the
Adulteress
(John 8:1-12)
