Blindness and Faith: No ceremony, no pomposity, no swooping in with fuss and feathers. No needs assessments, no programs. Jesus simply stands before the pleading blind man and asks: “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus can see that this man has gathered all his courage to ask: “My sight.” Jesus affirms the man’s courage and assures him his faith will make him well.

Did you know that the Healing of Bartimaeus is one of few places where the name of the person healed in mentioned? This bible study lesson on Mark 10:46-52 describes the healing of blind Bartimaeus by Jesus on His way to Jerusalem.

Jericho is one of the oldest cities in Israel. (Joshua 2:1) Jericho was about 15 miles from Jerusalem. The meaning of the name Jericho is ‘Fragrant’.

What is the meaning of Bartimaeus? Greek: Honorable man. Hebrew: Heir or son of unclean, spiritual blindness. His name can also mean son of Timaeus, a blind man.

Why do you think the disciples were so eager to silence Bartimaeus? What did you notice about Jesus’ response to Bartimaeus? To what extent do we see ourselves following this pattern when we reach out to others. Where might we improve?

We all need a healing; it can be a physical or spiritual. Jesus can heal us, but we need to set aside anything that hinders us and come to Him and put our trust in Him. “To see beyond the present is Wisdom, but to see beyond the possible is Faith.” (By Amit Christian)

Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.