These small group studies of the gospel of Mark 10:46-52 contain commentary, cross-references, Bible study discussion questions, and applications to encourage life change. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more practical studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group.
Mark 10:46-52 Bible Study – Jesus’ Kindness to Bartimaeus
Outline
I. Bartimaeus asks for mercy (46-48)
II. Jesus talks with Bartimaeus (49-51)
III. Jesus heals Bartimaeus (52)
Discussion Questions
• What was Bartimaeus’ reaction when he heard Jesus was there?
• What does this show about Jesus’ reputation?
• Why were people telling Bartimaeus to be quiet?
• Did he listen?
• What can you learn from his persistence here?
• Do you learn anything from Jesus’ interaction with Bartimaeus?
• What can you learn from Bartimaeus?
• What can you learn from Jesus?
• Where was Jesus going?
• What does it show about His character that He showed compassion on and healed Bartimaeus, even though He was going up to His own death?
Cross-References
Isaiah 35:5 – Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
Matthew 11:4-5 – And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.
Ephesians 5:8 – For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.
2 Corinthians 4:6 – For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. A large crowd followed Jesus – Jesus passed through Jericho on the way to Jerusalem. This was the same city that Joshua conquered when the Israelites first visited the Promised Land. Even here, where Jesus did not often go, a large crowd followed Him. Jesus was becoming more and more famous and wherever He went, His reputation preceded Him.
2. Bartimaeus – In this city, there was a blind beggar. Generally speaking, beggars do not get into history books. They are often nameless. Their stories are untold. Their contemporaries do not consider them important and look down on them. Their existence is forgotten and future generations do not remember them. But it is not so with Bartimaeus. For two thousand years, he has been remembered by Christians around the world. His story is well-known. Why? When we look at the text, we see that the people around him looked down on him. They didn’t give him the time of day. He was an untouchable. He was an annoyance. The people didn’t want to look at him or listen to him. A person of his low status should just be quiet, accept his position (or lack thereof) and quietly shirk in the background. He wasn’t worth their time, let alone Jesus’ time. Jesus was far too busy and important and famous to have any time for Bartimaeus, or so they thought.
3. Bartimaeus’ persistence – So why do we know his name? Out of all the beggars in history, why is his story told? It is because he called out to Jesus for help. And he persevered in shouting for Jesus until his voice was heard. Peer pressure pushed him to be quiet. That would have been easier. But if he remained quiet, he would have remained a blind beggar and nothing would have changed. His story is a real-life example of persistence. He kept on calling out to Jesus until he was answered.
Reflection – Is there any area in your life that you need more persistence? What are the obstacles or peer pressure that are hindering you from fully stepping out in faith?
4. Bartimaeus’ faith – Bartimaeus knew what kind of person Jesus was. He knew that if Jesus could hear his voice, He would come and help. He knew Jesus was powerful enough to help and he believed Jesus would be willing to help. His persistence in calling out to Jesus demonstrated his faith by action. If he didn’t believe Jesus could or would help him, he would have listened to the crowd around him and remained silent. But he did believe. He wanted what Jesus had to offer. He was willing to risk the scorn and derision of others in order to connect with Jesus. His faith came first and the action of seeking Jesus followed. The question then became not how he kept yelling but rather, “how could he not keep yelling for help?”
Application – In what area do you need to put faith into action?
5. Bartimaeus’ humility –
Reflect – What do we learn about his attitude towards Jesus from his request?
He asked Jesus to have mercy on him. This is the request of a humbled, desperate man. He didn’t accuse God, “How could God do this to me?” He wasn’t bitter. He didn’t complain. He didn’t demand justice for his years of suffering. He realized that Jesus’ healing was not a right, but a privilege. He didn’t know Jesus personally. Neither had he done anything to deserve Jesus’ help. Bartimaeus came to Jesus not as a peer or an equal, but as an inferior begging for favor. While Bartimaeus was blind, we can see his doctrine was sound and his attitude was right. There is much we can learn from him about salvation.
Luke 18:13 – But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!
Application – The world is obsessed with personal rights. But we should not make demands of God. He is the Creator of the universe and sits on His throne in heaven. We should approach Him with humility. It is not wise to ask for what we deserve. Our right is to be judged for our sins. Rather, we are to ask for mercy.
Hebrews 4:16 – Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
6. Jesus’ kindness – See the contrast as to how the crowds treated this man and how Jesus did. This man was a blind beggar. In the world’s eyes, he was unimportant, an outcast. He had nothing valuable to offer. He was an afterthought, an annoyance, a nuisance. When he shouted to Jesus for help, the people rebuked him. They didn’t listen to him or give him the time of day.
Now Jesus was leaving Jericho. He was a busy man. He had more on His plate than anyone else who has ever existed. He had to train up the disciples, preach to the crowds, heal, do miracles, and refute the religious leaders of His day, not to mention the rather important task of saving the world. Sometimes He was so busy He didn’t take time to eat. There were always demands on His time. He had somewhere to be.
But notice Jesus’ simple reaction when He heard this man yelling for Him. He stopped. He stopped. It is a powerful word. He stopped what He was doing and He made time in His schedule for this man. He called Him over. He talked to Him. He inquired about His need. He listened. Then He healed him.
What do we learn about kindness from what Jesus modeled here?
True kindness comes with no strings attached
There is a Chinese concept called “guanxi.” It means a relationship. I do a favor for you and you are expected to remember it and do something for me one day. You give me some lucky money for my wedding and I should remember and give that much to you or your kids. Most people are kind to rich and powerful people because they hope to one day get something in return. But someone like Bartimaeus has nothing to give. He has no money and no influence.
This is why James wrote this about true religion.
James 1:27 – Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction.
Orphans and widows can give nothing in return. True kindness comes with no strings attached.
Kindness makes time
This may not have been a convenient time for Jesus. He was on a trip. He had somewhere to go. But He stopped. Do people in your life only need help when it is convenient for you? That’s not the case for me. Often, people need my help at the most inconvenient times.
• While I am preparing a sermon.
• At night, after I thought I was done for the day.
If I follow Jesus’ example, I will make time for them.
When I ask people, “How are you doing lately?” one of the most common responses is, “Busy.” Business should not be used as an excuse to not take time for others.
Parents, make time for your kids. Spend some time to really look at and comment on their drawing, help with their homework, and laugh at their joke. Husbands, make time to listen to your wives share about their day, even if it might seem like it takes longer than necessary.
Some people are task-oriented and some people are people-oriented. If you are people-oriented, wiggle your right toe. If you are task-oriented, wiggle your left toe. Both can be important depending on the situation, but those who are task-oriented need to be especially mindful of this point. I tend to be more task-oriented. I get things done. I keep the schedule and arrive on time. But sometimes that means I am not showing kindness to people around me. We have six people in our family and at least one is significantly slower than everyone else getting ready. For a long time, I had a hard time waiting patiently. But God has been teaching me the importance of being patient and kind. I have found that the kind way to address this is to graciously ask, “Is there anything I can do to help you as you get things ready?” Then the person feels loved and the task gets accomplished.
True kindness makes time.
We don’t know all of the life choices this blind man would make. But in the immediate aftermath, He followed Jesus. Another blind man also decided to follow Jesus. The kindness of the Lord leads to repentance.
7. Bartimaeus jumped up – Here we see his eager attitude.
8. What do you want me to do for you? – Jesus knew the answer, but He wanted Bartimaeus to say it, probably to make a public statement of faith.
9. Rabboni, I want to regain my sight – This is a very polite and clear request. He starts off addressing Jesus as “Teacher,” showing his respect for Jesus. He didn’t beat around the bush, but directly asked Jesus for healing without beating around the bush. God knows what we want before we even ask for it so why waste time with silly, subtle little hints? Be simple and clear.
10. Go, your faith has made you well – Jesus cared. Here was a lowly person whom no one cared about or gave the time of day to. He was ignored, scoffed at, looked down on, and verbally abused. Jesus was important. He was the Son of God. Think about what Jesus was doing. He was on the last leg of His mission, the most important mission in history, to save humanity. He was on His way to the last battle. There was much yet to be done. There were many prophecies to be fulfilled, lessons to teach, and distance to cover. He Himself was going to die.
If anyone ever had a right to be introverted and focused on their own problems, it was Jesus. And if there was anyone who was ever easier to ignore and pay no attention to, it was Bartimaeus. And yet Jesus gave him time. He gave him attention. He gave him help. He loved him and cared for him as an individual. This is a classic lesson in unselfishness and servanthood. Jesus teaches us that every single human life has value.
Psalms 8:4-5 -What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
God sees you. He sees beyond anything you have done. He sees beyond any labels anyone else puts on you. He sees you. He knows your sin more deeply than you do. He knows your past. He knows it all. But He still loves you and wants a relationship with you. He created you for that.
Application – How do you see people around you? Do you look at them with the eyes of Christ? Do you look past their color, education, level, and background? If we remember that people are souls created in God’s image and need Him, that motivates us to treat them with kindness.
Do you treat people how Jesus did or do you treat people like the crowds around Bartimaeus did? Do you overlook or ignore the outcast or show kindness?
Let us pray for the strength to take time out of our busy schedules to care for people. Every soul is important and valued by God.
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