Theme
Jesus makes us see our need, that we may see Him & receive mercy by faith.
Text
And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
Discussion Questions
- How does Bartimaeus address Jesus in vv. 47, 48, and 51? What name/description does he emphasize?
- How do the crowds initially respond to Bartimaeus’ persistent cry? How does Jesus respond?
- What does Jesus ask Bartimaeus? Where have we heard this question before?
- Why is the title Son of David significant? See 2 Sam. 7:12-16; Ps. 132:11; Jer. 23:5; cf. Isa. 35:4–5; 61:1–2; Lk. 1:32, 69; Jn. 7:42; Acts 2:30; 13:23; 2 Tim. 2:8; Rev. 22:16
- How does the physical blindness of Bartimaeus provide a picture of the disciples’ (and our) condition? What is the solution?
- How is a biblical understanding of faith different than the view that “Christians have a right to healing/prosperity if they have enough faith”?See Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8; Heb. 11:32–38; cf. Mk. 14:36; Phil 1:29, 4:11–13.
- Where did Bartimaeus go after Jesus healed him (v.52)? How does this serve as an example for us? See Mk. 8:34; Jn 8:12, 12:26; 1 Pt. 2:21.
Transcript
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