Mark 10:32-52: Blindness and Sight
THE BLIND SOMETIMES have uncanny "sight," and the deaf sometimes "hear" what others miss. Spiritual insight and alertness arise from the heart rather than from status or position. In this passage Mark seems to delight in the irony of a blind man who perceives what the sighted cannot see.
Warming Up to God
What does God want you to "see" or know? Sit quietly before him and listen for his voice.
Read Mark 10:32-52. »
Discovering the Word
- Given what Jesus has just said in verses 33-34, what is ironic about James and John's request (vv. 35-37)?
- What seems to motivate James and John's request?
- When the other ten apostles hear about this status request, they become indignant. In response, what principle does Jesus bring out again (see 9:35, 10:31 and 10:42-45)?
- From the brief account in verses 46-52, what kind of man does Bartimaeus seem to be?
- Why do you suppose Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he wanted him to do for him?
Applying the Word
- How can your life better conform to Jesus' view of greatness? (Consider what motivates your actions as well as what you do.)
- Jesus is indeed on the road to glory, but that road will not bypass Jerusalem. Self-sacrifice and service mark the way. What are some present opportunities for you to follow him?
- What may be some of the costs?
Responding in Prayer
Tell God how you want to sacrifice for him.
For Further Study
Basic Discipleship by Floyd McClung