Online Bible Study - Happy New Me! - 01 Blind Bartimaeus

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)