Scriptural text: Mark 10:46-52
A Blind Beggar Begs For Mercy (Mark 10:45-48).
Blindness was a familiar condition in the ancient world, with the Bible itself using some form of the word blind dozens of time. Today’s lesson deals with a man who was wretched. But when he knew the Son of Man was nearby, he immediately asked for mercy. He understood his need, his hopelessness, and his possible healing through Jesus. Blind Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus to have mercy on him. Mercy is defined as “an act of compassion towards someone who is in need.” Mercy by definition is not earned; it is freely given, without compulsion. We may aske for mercy in a stressful situation, but true mercy is not compelled. It is granted.
As Jesus left “Jericho,” He was followed by His disciples, and a large “number of people.” As Jesus and His disciples were making their way out of “Jericho,” we are told that “blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. “And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.” Even though Bartimaeus had never seen “Jesus,” he has heard enough about Him as a miracle worker. So he begged the Lord to “have mercy on me.” This being the case, not begging for money, the beggar was shouting out for healing.
The Beggar Scolded (Mark 10:48).
As Bartimaeus shouted out to Jesus for “mercy,” or compassion, many in the crowd “charged him that he should “hold his peace.” Instead, he cried the more a great deal, “Thou son of David, have mercy on me.” The point is they rebuked or scolded Bartimaeus trying to get him to be quiet. The crowd was implying that he was not worthy of Jesus’ attention. But the last thing that he was going to do was ‘hold his peace.” Instead, he cried the more a great deal, “Thou son of David, have mercy on me.”
Unable to see, Bartimaeus and his unnamed blind partner, according to Matthew used their voices to get Jesus’ attention.
A Blind Man Receives His Sight (Mark 10:449-52).
This verse (49) says that “Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called.” They obeyed Jesus’ command, “and they called the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.” Because “Jesus” took notice of the “blind” beggar, those in the crowd went from rebuking him to offering him words of comfort.
(Verse 51), This verse says, “And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou, that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
(Verse 52), The final verse says, “And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.” The blind man showed a boldness that showed his determination to get help. As a result, “Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.” The fact that the blind man “followed Jesus by the way” may have a double meaning. First, it could mean that he joined “Jesus” on the road going to Jerusalem, and second that he became a disciple since the words “the way” often referred to the new Christian “faith” in Jesus Christ.
References: International Sunday School Commentary, Praise by Expecting and Following, Lesson 3