Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus – Mark 10:46-52

It is often said that Seeing is believing. But is that really true? We have seen in previous studies that the Pharisees refused to believe in Jesus, in spite of seeing and witnessing many miracles and life changing incidents. They failed to see the true identity of Jesus. In this bible study, we are going to look at a person who was blind, yet he ‘saw’ and believed in Jesus and received the physical and spiritual sight.

Other Passages : Luke 18:35-45

• Background
  • Jericho is one of the oldest cities in Israel. (Joshua 2:1)
  • Jericho was about 15 miles from Jerusalem. The meaning of the name Jericho is ‘Fragrant’. (Jesus at Zacchaeus’ home in Jericho)
  • Jesus was going to Jerusalem for the Jewish feast of Passover.
  • The healing of Bartimaeus is one of the few miracles in the New Testament where the name of person is mentioned!

• What is the meaning of Bartimaeus?

  • Greek: Honorable man
  • Hebrew: Heir or son of unclean, spiritual blindness.
  • His name can also mean son of Timaeus, a blind man.

• What do you think about the condition of Bartimaeus? Did he know about Jesus? (John9:2)

  • He was one of many beggars on the road to Jerusalem, he did not own much; his only possession could be his garment (old cloak).
  • It was a common belief among the Jews that blindness is a punishment from God for sin. (See John 9:34 – Blind man with the Pharisees).
  • He would have been downcast and desperate, yet, persistent and hopeful to receive healing.
  • When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he began to call onto Jesus. He was determined to get Jesus’ attention, even when people tried to keep him quiet.
  • He must have heard about Jesus, his miracles, healing, his claims, and teachings.
  • He must have believed that Jesus could heal him.

• What does the title the ‘Son of David’ mean to the Jews? (John 7:42, Matthew21:9)

  • The Promised Messiah, One who was to come from the lineage of King David.

    John 7:42 “Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?”

    Mat 21:9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!”

• What was the crowd’s response? (Mark 10:48-49)

  • First, they rebuked him, and then commended him.

• What did he do when Jesus called him? (Isaiah 64:6)

  • He threw his coat, his garment, his only possession, which might come in his way to approach to Jesus.

    Isaiah 64:6 “and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment.”

  • He was ready to get rid of anything that comes on his way to meet Jesus.
• What things are hindering you from coming to Jesus Christ?

• Why did Jesus ask him a question, “What do you want me to do for you”?

  • This was a unique feature of Jesus’ ministry. He would often ask a similar question before healing anyone.
  • It was to affirm person’s faith and public proclamation of his trust in Jesus. Jesus was essentially asking, “do you really believe that I can heal you?”
  • If Jesus asks you the same question, what will be your answer? What do you want Jesus to do in your life?

• What can we learn from Bartimaeus?

  • He was determined to meet Jesus.
  • He showed his faith in his action.
  • One small detail we may miss, is that he followed Jesus thereafter. (Mark 10:52)
  • Bartimaeus, the blind man ‘saw’ Jesus as the Messiah, Son of David, who could heal him from his blindness.
  • It is an irony that the blind beggar could ‘see’ what the religious leaders failed to see.

Life Applications and Reflections

• • How do you see Jesus? Is He just a great moral teacher, leader or a historical figure, or is He the Son of God, and the Savior of the world?
  • We all need a healing; it can be a physical or spiritual. Jesus can heal us, but we need to set aside anything that hinders us and come to Him and put our trust in Him.

    Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

    “To see beyond the present is Wisdom, but to see beyond the possible is Faith.”