(06-10-29) Blind Bartimaeus - Mark 10.46-52
Three boys were bragging about the jobs their Fathers did.
“My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, calls it poetry and people give him £50 for it!” said the first.
“That’s nothing,” said the second boy. “My dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, calls it a song and gets £100!”
“I can do better than both of you!” smiled the third boy. “My dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, calls it a sermon and it takes six people to collect the money!”
Mark 10:46-52
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. 47When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you.” 50Throwing 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.
WHS/B&Q – How can I help you?
Questions Jesus asked
- ‘Who was a neighbour to the man?’
- ‘Where is your faith?’
- ‘Do you still not understand?’
- ‘Who do people say I am?’
- ‘Who do you say I am?’
Conrad Gempf’s book
What do you want me to do for you?
- 5 seconds to answer!
- Possible answers
Previous story – exactly the same question, but a selfish request…
Real answer – Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! I want to see!
- Expectation of money?
- Superficial hopes become real needs.
- Jesus cuts to the heart of the matter.
Vulnerability
- Peter’s denial (Luke 22:61)
What do you want me to do for you?