Blind Bartimaeus, No More

Mark 10:46-52

INTRODUCTION: Matthew told the story of Bartimaeus’ healing, but identified that there were two blind men healed simultaneously (Matthew 20:29-34). Luke also told the story of this event, but may have focused in on the other man healed (Luke 18:35-43). Regardless, only Bartimaeus was identified by name and his is the story told by Mark. While Bartimaeus is a wonderful picture of salvation, his story actually signifies any spiritual victory for which an individual seeks the Lord. The question is, What do you need from the Lord?

I. HIS INADEQUACIES (Mark 10:46)

A. His Personal Difficulties

1. He was blind.
2. He “sat by the highway side begging.”

B. His Identifying Traits

1. He became known as “blind Bartimaeus.”
2. He became a nuisance to those in his community (see Mark 10:48).

II. HIS EFFORTS (Mark 10:47-51)

A. His Initial Cry (Mark 10:47-48)

1. Bartimaeus used what he had (Mark 10:47).
a. He heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth.
b. He cried out.
2. Bartimaeus sought mercy (Mark 10:47).
3. Bartimaeus endured the scorn of others (Mark 10:48).
a. Many charged him that he should hold his peace.
b. He cried the more a great deal.

B. His Request of Jesus (Mark 10:49-51)

1. Bartimaeus grabbed the Saviour’s attention (Mark 10:49).
a. Jesus stood still.
b. Jesus commanded for Bartimaeus to be called.
c. Bartimaeus was comforted and encouraged to go to Jesus.
2. Bartimaeus came to Jesus (Mark 10:50).
a. He cast away his garment (see Deuteronomy 24:10-15).
b. He rose.
c. He went to Jesus.
3. Bartimaeus made his bold request (Mark 10:51).
a. The Saviour’s question
1.) “What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?”
2.) Interestingly, Jesus knew
i. Bartimaeus’ need
ii. What should be done unto Bartimaeus
b. Bartimaeus’ request
1.) Lord
2.) That I might receive my sight
3.) Note: Bartimaeus could have taken the easy road and asked for:
i. Today’s needs
ii. Every day’s needs miraculously provided
iii. Some unnoticeable blessing

III. HIS SUCCESS (Mark 10:52)

A. His Desire Granted

1. “Go thy way;”
2. Thy faith hath made thee whole.
3. Immediately he received his sight.
4. Note: There were no strings attached, Bartimaeus received his request of the Lord and could use that gift for whatever purpose he desired. He could go “his” way.

B. His Determination to Follow

1. He followed Jesus.
2. In the way.
3. Jesus gave Bartimaeus the spiritual victory requested and Bartimaeus chose to use it for Jesus.

CONCLUSION: What are your inadequacies? What do you need Jesus to do for you? Are you willing to muster up the faith to request that which you need and use the gift to follow Jesus in “THE WAY”?