Bartimaeus the Blind Man

Summary

On the road near Jericho, two blind men, one named Bartimaeus, yell to Jesus as He is passing with a large crowd. Jesus calls them to come, and asks what they want. Bartimaeus says he wants to see, and Jesus heals him.

Scripture References

  • Episode: Mt 20.29-34, Mk 10.46-52, Lk 18.35-43

  • Afflicting blindness: Dt 28.28, Lam 4.14, Lev 21.18

  • Cloak: Ex 22.26-27

  • Son of David: Is 11.1, Jer 23.5, Ezk 34.23 (Mt 21.9)

  • Jesus’ compassion: Mt 9.36, 14.14, 15.32, 20.34, Mk 1.41, 6.34, 8.2, Lk 7.13

  • Touching to heal: Mt 8.3, 8.15, 9.29

  • Spiritual blindness: Is 42.18-20, 56.9-10

    Discussion Questions

    1. Why would blind beggars be working together?

    2. What is unique about the people healed in this episode, in comparison to all others that Jesus healed?

    3. Who were the people Jesus said were spiritually blind people in other Gospel episodes? Why did he say this?

    4. Why does Jesus ask the men what they want him to do for them? What other answers could they have given?

    5. How did the blind men know about Jesus?

    6. How do people discourage us today from praying for healing, as the crowd discouraged Bartimaeus?