11. A BLIND BEGGAR’S CONFESSION OF FAITH (Mark 10:46-52)
Background: As far as we know, Jesus visited Jericho only once. It happened when he was on his way to Jerusalem for the last time. Jesus belonged to the House of king David. It can be said that he was David’s son. God had promised David that his son was to sit on the throne of Israel for ever (2Sa 7:12-16). The Roman rulers of the country did not want to hear anything about either the former or present kings of Israel.
In the beginning you can enter into the role of a blind man so that everybody covers his / her eyes, and the leader gives each one in turn some objects to be touched and felt with hands.
1. What do you think would be the worst thing if you had to earn your living by begging?
2. What things can one learn when sitting by the roadside from year to year (46b)?
What do you think Bartimaeus thought about Jesus during the three years when he visited every other place but Jericho, Bartimaeus’ home town?
Do you think that Bartimaeus all the time had a ready plan what he would do if Jesus should happen to visit Jericho?
3. What made Bartimaeus conclude that Jesus was king David’s son (47)? The one whom God had promised to become the king and saviour of Israel, as well as that of the whole world.
Why was Bartimaeus not afraid of the Roman soldiers while loudly shouting the name of David’s son?
How was Bartimaeus’ shouting changed when they tried to hush him down (47-48)?
4. Reflect on different reasons why people wanted to silence Bartimaeus’ cry for help. Try to remember some incident when your cry for help was not willingly answered - why do you think it was not?
What should the people around have done instead of forbidding Bartimaeus to shout (48)?
5. What might Bartimaeus have thought when he heard that Jesus was calling him (49-50)?
It is probable that so far Bartimaeus had taken good care of his cloak, which also served as both a mattress and a cover in the night. Why did he then suddenly throw this vital garment aside (50)?
6. Why did Jesus ask Bartimaeus a self-evident question(51)?
Jesus also asks you today: ”What do you want me to do for you?” What will you answer to him?
7. Bartimaeus followed Jesus to Jerusalem (52b). Why did he do so?
On the following day all people called Jesus David’s son at the gates of Jerusalem (11:9-10).Why were people not afraid of the Romans in the heat of the moment?
GLAD TIDINGS: Only a week later Bartimaeus could see with his newly healed eyes how his benefactor was nailed on a cross. What do you think Jesus’ crucifixion then meant to him?
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