As noted before, I teach an Adult Bible Community at Thomas Road Baptist Church called the G.A.P. (for Graduates and Professionals), and each week I post the outlines and discussion questions from my lessons on the G.A.P. page on Facebook. A few weeks ago I started posting these notes on the blog too so as to keep it a bit more active. So, with that introduction, here is the outline and questions for our meeting on October 25. The lesson is on Mark 10:46-52. If you have any questions or would like to add a comment or two, that would be great!
A Story of Blind Faith
Lessons from Bartimaeus
Mark 10:46-52
Introduction
Questions
What do you think of when you hear the words “blind faith”?
Give an example of what you consider “blind faith”
How does “blind faith” compare to what the Bible depicts as faith?
Today’s Story
Mark chapter 10—several groups come to Jesus
1. Pharisees test him (vv. 1-9)
2. His own disciples question him (vv. 10-12)
3. Children came to be blessed/the disciples rebuke them (vv. 13-16)
4. Rich young ruler comes looking for approval (vv. 17-27)
5. Disciples come promoting themselves (vv. 28-45)
6. Bartimaeus comes in faith hoping for healing (vv. 46-52)
Faith focuses on what is important (like the children and Bartimaeus). In this story, faith focuses on three important items.
1. Faith Sees The Need
Mark 10:46-48
He was blind
Probably poor
Unable to work
Resorted to begging
He knew he was needy
He heard about Jesus and knew he needed something from him
His hearing prompted some kind of faith
What did he hear? He heard of Jesus' power and authority
He cried out for help—He was tenacious and persistent
The crowd didn’t like his actions, so he cried out louder
He was desperate to get to Jesus
How desperate are we? Where are we needing an encounter with Jesus?
Do we care what the crowd thinks, or are we going to get to Jesus no matter what?
What hinders us from coming to him and believing what the Bible says about him?
Faith focuses on what is important. Faith looks at the needs around it.
2. Faith Sees An Opportunity
Mark 10:49-50
Jesus stopped
He heard the cries of the desperate man
How tenacious are we in getting Jesus’ attention?
Jesus called
He invited the man to come
He expected a response
When Jesus calls, what hinders us from responding? Do we leave him waiting for us?
The crowd encouraged
The folks who wanted him to shut up now invite him to Jesus
What needs have we tried to silence?
Who do we need to encourage to come to Jesus?
Where are the desperate people in our world?
Bartimaeus responded
He threw off his old “work clothes” made especially for begging (perhaps in expectation of a new profession?). What do we need to throw aside to follow Jesus?
He jumped up (shows a strong desire to respond to Jesus’ call). How have we responded to his call? Have we jumped up, or are we slowly going after him?
Faith focuses on what is important. Faith sees Jesus' coming by as an opportunity to obtain salvation.
3. Faith Responds to Jesus
Mark 10:51-52
A question and a response
Jesus asks a question/Bartimaeus responds
The question is the same Jesus asks his disciples in Mark 10:36 when they asked for places of honor
What do you want me to do for you?
Bartimaeus answers humbly/respectfully (“Rabboni, let me regain my sight”)
The disciples did not (“Give us a place of honor”)
How do we respond when God asks what we want?
Does our response focus on the needs around us, or are we looking for a place of honor?
A command and a response
Jesus commands: “Go”
Bartimaeus responds: He follows Jesus
He is given what he requests, then he becomes a disciple
Faith focuses on what is important. Faith responds with obedience and discipleship
Discussion Questions
What did Bartimaeus hear about Jesus? How did that change his actions?
What have you heard about Jesus? How has it changed your actions?
How desperate are we for God’s attention? Where do we need an encounter with Jesus in our lives? Where are our needs?
Are we concerned with what others say, or are we going to get to Jesus no matter the cost?
What hinders us from coming to Jesus or believing what the Bible says about him?
What needs have we tried to silence?
Who needs our encouragement to come to Christ for help? Who is desperate in our world?
What do we need to throw aside to follow Jesus?
How have we responded to Jesus’ call? Have we jumped up, or are we slowly going after him?
What do you want Jesus to do for you?
Where is our focus?
Thanks for reading!
No comments:
Post a Comment