Bible Study ---Mark 10; 46-52 BLIND BARTIMAUS
When we come to study these New Testament stories it is sometimes good to ask questions as we read, not as a test though, because there are usually no right or wrong answers. Its simply a way of taking ourselves deeper into the story. When we are in a group it can, of course, be very illuminating to hear one another’s answers. But the questions are still worth asking even when there are none but ourselves to respond!
The story comes as Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem and the last week of his life. He has arrived at the city of Jericho, a wonderful, fruitful oasis on the edge of the Judean desert. Before him is the gruelling 15 mile uphill climb through the desert to Jerusalem. Jericho is the place where you prepare yourself and take on supplies for what is set to be an exhausting and thirsty journey. There will not be another chance before Jerusalem is safely reached.
A blind beggar is sitting by the road out. Mark tells us that his name is Bartimaus. Look at him. What is he missing in life? Obviously sight, but also his dignity and his ability to earn himself a living. What is he begging for? How would the passers-by show their sympathy and support?
Now, the sounds of a passing crowd reach his ears. He must be wondering, what’s happening? Who’s coming? Someone tells him. He cries out, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy” What does he want?... What does he expect?...
People scold him, tell him to shut up. Why would they do that?... Do they think his blindness and all that goes with it is sent by God and must be deserved? Is it because they can’t hear Jesus above his noise? Is it to do with what he called Jesus (Son of David)?...
Jesus stops. “Call him”, he says to those travelling with him. Why didn’t Jesus simply go over to him?...
Imagine yourself as one of the crowd… you hear what Jesus said, you happen to be near to Bartimaus. What is your reaction?... What do you do?... What do you think will happen?...
Some of the crowd now say, “Cheer up, he’s calling you”. Why the change in their attitude?... What are they expecting?... I wonder if they were surprised to see that he could leap up? Would they be surprised to see a blind man leave behind his cloak if he couldn’t see where he left it?...
Now Jesus is asking him, “what do you want me to do for you?” Why does he ask instead of just getting on with what he already must know he wants?... Now what will the crowd expect?... and Bartimaus? What is it that makes a person ready for healing?...
Now Jesus is saying, “Go, your faith has made you well”. What has happened?... What faith?.. Who mentioned faith? So what is Jesus saying about the nature of faith, and about how it can be identified?...
Jesus tells Bartimaus to go, but what does he do? Mark says he followed Jesus along the road. I wonder how far he followed, bearing in mind where Jesus was going. What about his cloak and provisions for such a wearisome journey. If he went all the way, what does that say about the nature of the sight that Jesus gave him?...
Now, bearing in mind your/our present situation, imagine Jesus asking you what he asked Bartimaus, “What do you want me to do for you?” How would you answer?... Remembering what it could have cost Bartimaus if he went all the way, can you bear what it could cost you? If you can, take on the boldness of Bartimaus and make it your prayer.