Has anyone ever tried to silence you just when you needed help the most? That was the story of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar outside Jericho (Mark 10), who cried out all the louder the more the crowd tried to hush him: Son of David, have mercy on me! This sermon shows how a blind man saw more in Jesus than those with healthy eyes, and it leads us to the ancient prayer of the heart that Christians have prayed for centuries. Listen and let Jesus ask you too: what do you want me to do for you?
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- What does Bartimaeus confess about Jesus when he cries out "Son of David, Jesus", and what might those words have meant to the crowd travelling with Him to Jerusalem for Passover?
- Why do you think the crowd tried to silence the blind beggar, while Jesus, who often told people not to speak about Him, this time lets him call out?
- Bartimaeus could not see with his eyes, yet he recognized Jesus as the Messiah more clearly than those looking at Him. What helps you see Jesus with the eyes of your heart today, and what gets in the way?
- When do you hear, openly or more subtly, "give it a rest with this Jesus" or "don't overdo it", and how do you respond?
- Jesus asks the blind man, "What do you want me to do for you?" even though the answer seems obvious. Why does naming your request specifically matter for you, if God already knows what you need?
- What one specific thing do you want to ask Jesus for in faith this week, and how could you weave the prayer "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner" into your day?
