Character Study Of Bartimaeus Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF BARTIMAEUS – BLIND MAN HEALED BY JESUS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Mark 10:46-52

"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." – Mark 10:52

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 35:5, Luke 18:35-43, Matthew 20:29-34, Hebrews 11:6

INTRODUCTION:

Bartimaeus was a blind beggar who encountered Jesus while He was passing through Jericho. Despite opposition, Bartimaeus persistently called out to Jesus, expressing his faith. His healing teaches us the power of faith, persistence, and divine mercy.

1. BARTIMAEUS WAS A BLIND BEGGAR

a) He was physically blind and financially poor (Mark 10:46)

He sat by the roadside, depending on others for survival.

b) He had no means to help himself (Psalm 146:8)

Blindness in biblical times meant helplessness and social rejection.

c) His condition represents spiritual blindness (2 Corinthians 4:4)

Many are blind to the truth of salvation.

d) He was an outcast, but Jesus noticed him (Luke 4:18)

Christ came to save the broken and rejected.

e) Biblical Example: The lame man at the Beautiful Gate was also a beggar before his healing (Acts 3:2-8).

2. HE CRIED OUT FOR MERCY

a) He acknowledged Jesus as the Son of David (Mark 10:47)

This was a declaration of faith in Jesus as the Messiah.

b) He repeatedly called for mercy despite opposition (Mark 10:48)

People tried to silence him, but he persisted.

c) True seekers of God must be persistent (Luke 18:1-8)

The parable of the persistent widow teaches the value of perseverance.

d) God responds to desperate faith (Psalm 34:6)

The Lord hears and delivers those who cry out to Him.

e) Biblical Example: The Canaanite woman refused to be discouraged in seeking Jesus’ help (Matthew 15:22-28).

3. JESUS CALLED HIM AND HE RESPONDED IMMEDIATELY

a) Jesus stood still and called for him (Mark 10:49)

The same crowd that rebuked him now told him to cheer up.

b) Bartimaeus threw away his garment and ran to Jesus (Mark 10:50)

The garment represented his past; he left it behind.

c) Faith requires action and expectation (James 2:17)

His actions showed he believed he would be healed.

d) Jesus invites all who seek Him (Matthew 11:28)

Those who come to Him receive grace and healing.

e) Biblical Example: Peter responded immediately when Jesus called him to walk on water (Matthew 14:28-29).

4. HIS FAITH BROUGHT HIS HEALING

a) Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51)

Bartimaeus clearly expressed his desire for sight.

b) Faith must be specific and bold (Hebrews 11:6)

Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

c) Jesus affirmed his faith and healed him (Mark 10:52)

Faith is the key to miracles.

d) His sight was restored instantly (Isaiah 35:5)

God’s power is immediate and complete.

e) Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood was healed by faith (Mark 5:34).

5. HE FOLLOWED JESUS AFTER HIS HEALING

a) He did not return to begging (Mark 10:52)

His life was forever changed.

b) He became a disciple of Christ (Luke 18:43)

He followed Jesus in the way.

c) True encounters with Jesus produce lasting transformation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Those in Christ become new creatures.

d) Gratitude should follow divine blessings (Psalm 103:2)

He rejoiced and glorified God.

e) Biblical Example: The healed demoniac of Gadara wanted to follow Jesus (Mark 5:18-20).

STRENGTHS OF BARTIMAEUS

a) He recognised Jesus as the Messiah (Mark 10:47).

b) He persisted in faith despite opposition (Mark 10:48).

c) He responded immediately when Jesus called him (Mark 10:50).

d) He believed in Jesus’ power to heal him (Mark 10:51).

e) He followed Jesus after his healing (Mark 10:52).

WEAKNESSES OF BARTIMAEUS

a) He was initially dependent on begging (Mark 10:46).

b) He lived a life of poverty and rejection (Luke 18:35).

c) He may have struggled with discouragement before his encounter with Jesus (Mark 10:48).

d) His condition limited his ability to work and support himself (Mark 10:46).

e) He needed an encounter with Jesus to find his purpose (Mark 10:52).

LESSONS TO LEARN FROM BARTIMAEUS

a) Faith in Jesus leads to transformation (Mark 10:52).

His life changed completely.

b) Persistence is key to receiving from God (Luke 18:1).

He refused to be silenced.

c) We must boldly declare our faith (Romans 10:9-10).

He called Jesus the Son of David.

d) Leaving the past behind is necessary for new beginnings (Philippians 3:13-14).

He threw off his old garment.

e) True followers of Christ continue walking with Him (John 10:27).

He followed Jesus after his healing.

CONCLUSION:

Bartimaeus' story is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, persistence, and responding to God's call. His healing shows that Jesus has the power to restore and transform lives. Just as Bartimaeus received his sight and followed Christ, we too must seek Jesus wholeheartedly and follow Him with unwavering faith.