Seeing… and Believing
Opening Prayer
I praise You, God, that You care for everyone, no matter how insignificant. Thank You, God, that You care for me.
Read MARK 10:46–52
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Imagine Jesus coming to you and asking, “What do you want me to do for you?” How would you answer?Bartimaeus goes for the direct approach. He shouts, persists, jumps up and comes to Jesus. But Jesus does not rush to provide an answer. As with the rich ruler, he starts with the person and their story. He asks a critical question (51).
Bartimaeus does not ask for food or money. He opens up about the real problem: being blind. His healing turns his life upside down. No more begging, no more feeling under a curse—a chance to have a job, a wife, a family, a whole life. Luke’s version of this story emphasizes rejoicing (Luke 18:42,43). And note that Bartimaeus chooses to physically follow Jesus towards Jerusalem—a different reaction than the blind man in Bethsaida and the rich man (8:26; 10:22).
As we humbly serve each other we can follow Jesus’ pattern, asking people about their needs and not beginning with our solutions. Once people share their immediate needs, then they are more likely to share their deeper concerns. Even though we may be unable to meet their need fully, we can rely on God’s power to be effective beyond our own resources.
Apply
Ask God to lead you to someone you can help. Remember to respond to the person, not just the need.
Closing prayer
Jesus, help me to be bold like Bartimaeus and to share my needs with You.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2025 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.