Mark 10:46-52 (CLICK HERE FOR BIBLE VERSES)
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is Mark 10:46-52. With an open mind and a humble heart, read this passage and see what sticks out to you in this passage. Is there a verse, a phrase, or a lesson you think the Holy Spirit may be highlighting for you in this passage? After you’ve thought about the passage yourself a bit, read the GAME sharing below. Let’s go!
Mark 10:46-52 (NIV)
46 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.
47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.”
50 Throwing 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.
On verses 46-52: Let’s contrast Bartimaeus here to the rich young man in verses 17-22:
– The rich young man hoped he could earn salvation on his own merit (“What was I do to inherit eternal life” – v17). In contrast, Bartimaeus knew that his only hope was Jesus (“Son of David, have mercy on me!” – v47)
– The moment he encountered an obstacle to his faith journey, the rich young man walked away from Jesus (v22). In contrast, when Bartimaeus faced discouragement and opposition to his faith, Bartimaeus “shouted all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’” (v48).
– The rich young man called Jesus a “good teacher”. Bartimaeus called Jesus “Son of David” (v47), which signifies that Bartimaeus believed that Jesus was the Messiah, since Son of David was a term to describe the Messiah that the Jews were waiting for.
– The rich young man focused on what he could do (“what must I do…” – v17). In contrast, Bartimaeus focused on what Jesus could for him (v51 – “What do you want me to do for you?…Rabbi, I want to see.”).
– Upon hearing Jesus speak the rich young man’s face fell and he walked away from Jesus (v22). Upon hearing Jesus speak Bartimaeus jumped up to his feet, was healed and started following Jesus (v52).
– The rich young man left Jesus hanging on to that which gave him security: his money. In contrast, Bartimaeus followed Jesus, throwing aside that which gave him security: his cloak (v50). In throwing aside what gave him security before and following Jesus, Bartimaeus found a greater security.
May you and I respond to Jesus the way Bartimaeus did: when facing challenges, may we not give up but cry out to Jesus even more. May we throw aside whatever else we would otherwise trust in for security, finding our security in Jesus instead and following Him.
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