Bartimaeus: A Model Of True Discipleship
17 OCTOBER 2021 | PRAYER & PRAISE SERVICES
Rev David Ho
Scripture Passage: Mark 10:46-52 (NIV)
WATCH | SERMON (VIDEO)
READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary | Daniel Kahneman wrote, “We can be blind to the obvious, and we are also blind to our blindness.” When we are focused on certain things, we can miss what else is going on. In this pandemic, as we adjust to the changing environment, have we considered where is God in our lives? Have we drawn closer to God, or have we drifted away in distraction? This year’s church theme of ‘Year of Sabbath-Rest’ is intended to encourage us to listen closely to God as we de-clutter our lives. It would be timely, as we near the end of the year, to consider how we may get on track with discipleship.
In Mark 10:46-52, Bartimaeus exemplifies a model of true discipleship. Bartimaeus’ positive response to Jesus is contrasted to the negative accounts of the rich young man who was unwilling to give up his possessions, and James and John who were jostling for power and status without understanding the cost of discipleship.
The 4Ps of Discipleship
1. Perceptivity –In our blindness, we look for solace, solution and significance in the wrong places, only to be disappointed. What Bartimaeus lacked in physical eyesight, he makes up for it in spiritual insight and perceives the presence of God in Jesus. Amidst the doom and gloom, where does our hope lie? Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:4 that the evil one blinds the mind of unbelievers that they are unable to see the light of the gospel. We are most blind when we are blind to Jesus. We are most lost when we ignore His existence, His presence, and His light. God is not quarantined but is our present help in our time of need. We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. May we be still when there is a storm that we may perceive that God is with us.
2. Perseverance – Determined not to miss out on meeting Jesus, Bartimaeus cried out in desperation with a plea for mercy. Who do you turn to at the end of the rope? If you have not been able to attend services regularly, persevere and do not give up. While we are grateful for the online services, we must guard our heart of worship and not place our convenience above our reverence for God. We need to guard the sanctity of our worship by: (a) Prepare for worship, find a suitable venue free from distractions; (b) Adopt a right Posture, one that is ready to encounter God; and (c) Participate in the worship service (don’t be passive). Beyond Sunday worship, let us learn to be daily worshippers, wherever we are, and in whatever we do. It is the sincerity of our hearts that catches the attention of Jesus. Tim Keller said, “We are more sinful and flawed than we ever dared believe, yet we are more loved and accepted by Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope .”
3. Priority – Bartimaeus wanted to see again, not out of self-entitlement but in order to see and follow Jesus. It is not what we know that defines who we are, it is what we seek that reveals who we truly are. Life is precious and we must be good stewards of our physical well-being. However, the bible tells us there are more important things than life itself. Jesus gave up His life at the cross for a greater priority. We must not make our physical comfort and well-being the highest goal or greatest preoccupation, instead, may we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. In this season, let us not simply seek for physical survival but let us pray for spiritual revival.
4. Purpose – With little possessions but much faith, Bartimaeus gave up everything to follow Jesus. By casting away his main possession, the cloak, he gave up his old way of livelihood and committed himself to a new and higher purpose. He was transformed from a beggar by the wayside to a disciple on the Way. What are we holding on so tightly that we are unable to follow Jesus all the way? In this season, let’s review our lives, set our relationships right and allow God to do a deeper work in our lives through showing compassion to others, especially the vulnerable and marginalized.
Let us perceive Jesus as our only hope, persevere in pursuing Jesus despite all distractions and discouragements, make seeing Jesus our priority, and purpose to follow Jesus all the way to the cross.
(Sermon notes by Honey Vreugdewater)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1.1 What does the description “blind beggar” (v. 46) tell you about Bartimaeus’ life, and his desperate need for Jesus? Do you feel a need to cry out for the mercy of Jesus either on your behalf or on behalf of others?
1.2 Despite his blindness, in what way does Bartimaeus demonstrate unusual ‘perceptivity’ about the identity of Jesus?
2. How would you have responded if you were Bartimaeus and you were rebuked and silenced by the crowd? Bartimaeus’ faith was persistent (v. 48—“cried out all the more”) and joyful/expectant (v. 50—“sprang up”). How should these qualities be present in your life and discipleship?
3.1 Compare Jesus’ interaction with James and John in verses 32-40 with His interaction with Bartimaeus. How do their different responses to Jesus reflect their different priorities?
3.2 Bartimaeus threw aside his cloak (perhaps his most significant possession) to get to Jesus (v. 50). Compare this to the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-22. How do their contrasting responses to Jesus reveal their different priorities?
4. In v. 52, we are told that upon recovering his sight, Bartimaeus followed Jesus ‘on the way.’ Would you say that right now you’re truly following Jesus on the way? How has following Jesus on ‘the way’ changed your purpose for living in this world?
5. Many of us, like the disciples, ‘see’ Christ and follow Him in a general sense, but our spiritual vision is still greatly impaired. What are some ways in which believers may demonstrate that their spiritual sight is still impaired?
6. What is the main lesson that you have learnt from Bartimaeus about true and authentic discipleship? How might you apply or practice that in your discipleship?