Mark 10:49
Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called the blind man. "Take courage!" they said. "Get up! He is calling for you."
Jesus stopped
In this phrase, the action of Jesus stopping is significant. The Greek word used here is "ἔστη" (estē), which implies a deliberate pause. This moment highlights Jesus' attentiveness and compassion. Despite being on a journey with a crowd, Jesus halts His progress to address the needs of an individual. This reflects the personal nature of Jesus' ministry, emphasizing that He is never too busy to attend to those who call out to Him in faith.

and said, 'Call him.'
The directive "Call him" is a command from Jesus, using the Greek word "φωνήσατε" (phōnēsate). This is an imperative form, indicating urgency and importance. Jesus empowers those around Him to participate in His work by inviting them to bring the blind man to Him. This act of calling is symbolic of the broader Christian mission to bring others to Christ, showing that Jesus often works through His followers to reach those in need.

So they called the blind man
The response of the crowd is immediate. The Greek word "φωνοῦσιν" (phōnousin) is used here, which is a form of the same root as "Call him," showing obedience to Jesus' command. This reflects the communal aspect of faith, where the community plays a role in guiding individuals to Jesus. The blind man, marginalized by society, is now being acknowledged and invited into the presence of Christ, illustrating the inclusive nature of the Gospel.

Take courage!
The phrase "Take courage" is translated from the Greek word "θάρσει" (tharsei), which is an imperative encouraging boldness and confidence. This is a common exhortation in the New Testament, often used by Jesus to reassure those who are fearful or uncertain. It serves as a reminder that approaching Jesus requires faith and courage, and that He is a source of strength and encouragement.

Get up
The command "Get up" comes from the Greek word "ἔγειρε" (egeire), which means to rise or awaken. This is not just a physical action but also a spiritual awakening. It signifies a call to action, urging the blind man to move from his current state towards a transformative encounter with Jesus. This mirrors the call to spiritual awakening and renewal that Jesus offers to all believers.

He is calling you
The assurance "He is calling you" is deeply personal. The Greek word "φωνεῖ" (phōnei) is used here, emphasizing that Jesus' call is specific and intentional. This personal call from Jesus is a central theme in the Christian faith, where each individual is invited into a personal relationship with Christ. It underscores the idea that Jesus knows each person by name and desires a personal connection with them.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who performs miracles and teaches about the Kingdom of God.

2. Blind Bartimaeus
A blind beggar sitting by the roadside, who calls out to Jesus for mercy.

3. The Crowd
The people following Jesus, initially rebuking Bartimaeus but later encouraging him at Jesus' command.

4. Jericho
The city where this event takes place, a significant location in both Old and New Testament accounts.

5. The Miracle
The healing of Bartimaeus, which demonstrates Jesus' compassion and power.
Teaching Points
The Power of Persistent Faith
Bartimaeus' persistence in calling out to Jesus despite the crowd's rebuke is a model of unwavering faith. We should not be discouraged by obstacles when seeking Jesus.

Jesus' Compassion and Call
Jesus' response to Bartimaeus shows His compassion and willingness to respond to those who earnestly seek Him. We are reminded that Jesus calls each of us personally.

Encouragement from Others
The crowd's change from rebuking to encouraging Bartimaeus highlights the importance of community support in our spiritual journey. We should be encouragers, not hindrances, to those seeking Christ.

Responding to Jesus' Call
Bartimaeus' immediate response to Jesus' call is a lesson in obedience and readiness. When Jesus calls us, we should respond without hesitation.

Transformation through Encounter
The healing of Bartimaeus illustrates the transformative power of an encounter with Jesus. Our lives are changed when we meet Him with faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Bartimaeus' persistence in calling out to Jesus challenge your own approach to prayer and seeking God?

2. In what ways can you be an encourager to others who are seeking Jesus, as the crowd eventually was to Bartimaeus?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt Jesus calling you. How did you respond, and what was the outcome?

4. How does the healing of Bartimaeus fulfill the prophecies about the Messiah, and what does this mean for your faith in Jesus?

5. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you respond promptly and obediently to Jesus' call in your life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Luke 18:35-43
This parallel account provides additional context and details about the healing of Bartimaeus.

Isaiah 35:5
Prophecy about the Messiah opening the eyes of the blind, fulfilled in Jesus' ministry.

Hebrews 4:16
Encourages believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence, similar to Bartimaeus' boldness in calling out to Jesus.

James 5:15
Speaks of the prayer of faith that will save the sick, paralleling Bartimaeus' faith in Jesus' ability to heal.
A Gospel Sermon to OutsidersC. H. Spurgeon.Mark 10:46-52
A Great Number of PeopleProf. W. J. Hoge.Mark 10:46-52
And When He HeardProf. W. J. Hoge.Mark 10:46-52
Arresting ChristProf. W. J. Hoge.Mark 10:46-52
Attachment to ChristMark 10:46-52
BartimaeusR. Green Mark 10:46-52
Begging Begins in ChildhoodProf. W. J. Hoge.Mark 10:46-52
Blind BartimaeusA.F. Muir Mark 10:46-52
Blind BartimaeusE. Johnson Mark 10:46-52
Blind Bartimaeus: the Publicity of Christ's MiraclesA. Rowland Mark 10:46-52
Blind BartimeusS. Cox, D. D.Mark 10:46-52
Blindness Disqualifies the CriticProf. W. J. Hoge.Mark 10:46-52
Blindness RemovedMark 10:46-52
Christ and His Many FollowersJ. Morgan.Mark 10:46-52
Christ and the BlindJ. H. Godwin.Mark 10:46-52
Christ and the True FriendsJ. Morgan.Mark 10:46-52
Christ Revealed to the NeedyJ. B. Brown, B. A.Mark 10:46-52
Christ's Recognition of FaithH. Bonar, D. D.Mark 10:46-52
Every Sinner is a BeggarProf. W. J. Hoge.Mark 10:46-52
He Calleth TheeProf. W. J. Hoge.Mark 10:46-52
How to Procure Blessing from GodT. T. Lynch.Mark 10:46-52
Light no Remedy for BlindnessProf. W. J. Hoge.Mark 10:46-52
Observations on the Narrative of Blind BartimeusA. G. Fuller.Mark 10:46-52
Our Wants Must be ExpressedProf. W. J. Hoge.Mark 10:46-52
Pertinacity Successful in the EndC. H. Spurgeon.Mark 10:46-52
Prayer of a Solitary Individual HeardS. Cox, D. D.Mark 10:46-52
Sightless SinnersC. S. Robinson, D. D.Mark 10:46-52
That He Should Hold His PeaceProf. W. J. Hoge.Mark 10:46-52
The Blind BeggarC. H. Spurgeon.Mark 10:46-52
The Blind Beggar of JerichoC. H. Spurgeon.Mark 10:46-52
The Blind Man HappyMark 10:46-52
The Cure of Two Blind Men At JerichoJ.J. Given Mark 10:46-52
The Danger of the BlindProf. W. J. Hoge.Mark 10:46-52
The Gate of the CityS. Cox, D. D.Mark 10:46-52
The Lord's AnswerMark 10:46-52
This Man Came Out of Cursed JerichoC. H. Spurgeon.Mark 10:46-52
Three Kinds of BlindnessProf. W. J. Hoge.Mark 10:46-52
Thy Blind Man a Earners CriesC. H. Spurgeon.Mark 10:46-52
What Wilt ThouA. Thomson.Mark 10:46-52
When May a Man be Called PoorProf. W. J. Hoge.Mark 10:46-52
People
Bartimaeus, David, James, Jesus, John, Peter, Timaeus, Zabdi, Zebedee
Places
Jericho, Jordan River, Judea, Nazareth, Road to Jerusalem
Topics
Blind, Calleth, Calling, Calls, Cheer, Comfort, Comforted, Commanded, Courage, Crying, Desired, Heart, He's, Rise, Saying, Stand, Standing, Stood, Stop, Stopped
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 10:42-52

     2036   Christ, humility

Mark 10:46-52

     1416   miracles, nature of
     5134   blindness, natural

Library
June 21 Morning
Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps.--I Peter 2:21. Even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.--Whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. Jesus of Nazareth . . . went about doing good.--Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. The meekness and gentleness of Christ.--In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do.--Be
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 19 Evening
Gold tried in the fire.--REV. 3.18. There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.--Now for
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Christ on the Road to the Cross
'And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed they were afraid.' --Mark x. 32. We learn from John's Gospel that the resurrection of Lazarus precipitated the determination of the Jewish authorities to put Christ to death; and that immediately thereafter there was held the council at which, by the advice of Caiaphas, the formal decision was come to. Thereupon our Lord withdrew Himself into the wilderness which stretches south
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Bartimaeus
Blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.'--Mark x. 46. The narrative of this miracle is contained in all the Synoptical Gospels, but the accounts differ in two respects--as to the number of men restored to sight, and as to the scene of the miracle. Matthew tells us that there were two men healed, and agrees with Mark in placing the miracle as Jesus was leaving Jericho. Mark says that there was one, and that the place was outside the gate in departing. Luke, on the other
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

An Eager Coming
'And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.'--Mark x. 50. Mark's vivid picture--long wail of the man, crowd silencing him, but wheeling round when Christ calls him--and the quick energy of the beggar, flinging away his cloak, springing to his feet--and blind as he was, groping his way. I. What we mean by coming to Jesus:--faith, communion, occupation of mind, heart, and will. II. How eagerly we shall come when we are conscious of need. This man wanted his eyesight: do we not want
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Love's Question
'What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?'--Mark x. 51. 'What wilt Thou have me to do!'--Acts ix. 6. Christ asks the first question of a petitioner, and the answer is a prayer for sight. Saul asks the second question of Jesus, and the answer is a command. Different as they are, we may bring them together. The one is the voice of love, desiring to be besought in order that it may bestow; the other is the voice of love, desiring to be commanded in order that it may obey. Love delights in knowing,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Children and Childlike Men
'And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.' --Mark x. 13-15. It was natural that the parents should have wanted Christ's blessing, so
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Almost a Disciple
'And when He was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to Him, and asked Him. Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life! 18. And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou Me good! there is none good but one, that is, God. 19. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20. And he answered and said unto Him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Dignity and Service
'And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto Him, saying, Master, we would that Thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. 36. And He said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? 37. They said unto Him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on Thy right hand, and the other on Thy left hand, in Thy glory. 38. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of! and he baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with! 39. And they said
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

November the Second Leading to Christ
"Suffer little children to come unto Me." --MARK x. 13-22. "Unto Me!" We must not keep them at any half-way house. We are so prone to be satisfied if only we bring them a little way along the road. If we get them to pray! If we get them to attend the Lord's house! If we get them to be truthful and gentle! All of which is unspeakably good. It is a blessed thing to be in "the ways of Zion"; it is a far more blessed thing to be in the palace with Zion's King and Lord. When we are dealing with little
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Lord Our Righteousness
Jeremiah 23:6 -- "The Lord our Righteousness." Whoever is acquainted with the nature of mankind in general, or the propensity of his own heart in particular, must acknowledge, that self- righteousness is the last idol that is rooted out of the heart: being once born under a covenant of works, it is natural for us all to have recourse to a covenant of works, for our everlasting salvation. And we have contracted such devilish pride, by our fall from God, that we would, if not wholly, yet in part at
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

Children Brought to Christ, and not to the Font
The Scripture before us is by several of the champions on the other side exhibited to the people as a rebuke to me. Their reasoning is rather ingenious than forcible: forsooth, because the disciples incurred the displeasure of Jesus Christ by keeping back the little children from coming to Him, therefore Jesus Christ is greatly displeased with me, and with all others like me, for keeping children from the font, and the performance there enacted; and specially displeased with me for exposing the Anglican
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

The Blind Beggar
This morning I shall address myself most particularly to the poor and blind souls here to-day. The poor blind man's faith described in this passage of Scripture, is a fit picture of the faith which I pray God you may be enabled to exert to the saving of your souls. We shall notice the origin of his faith, how his faith perceived its opportunity when Jesus passed by; we shall listen to his faith while it cries and begs; we shall look upon his faith while it leaps in joyous obedience to the divine
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

The Hardness of the Way.
"Children, how hard is it!"--St. Mark x. 24. I suspect there is scarcely a young man rich and thoughtful who is not ready to feel our Lord's treatment of this young man hard. He is apt to ask, "Why should it be difficult for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven?" He is ready to look upon the natural fact as an arbitrary decree, arising, shall I say? from some prejudice in the divine mind, or at least from some objection to the joys of well-being, as regarded from the creatures' side.
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

The Domestic Relation.
When we speak of home life with its relations and duties we are not digressing from the subject of gospel light. Nowhere does the light of Christianity shine so peaceful and beautiful as in the home. Nowhere is the power of its influence so felt as in the home circle. The public worship of Christians is an inspiring scene, but nothing apparently is so heavenly as the sacred family altar. A father and mother whose hearts are filled with holy love together with happy, obedient children bowing together
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

The Careless Sinner Awakened.
1, 2. It is too supposable a case that this Treatise may come into such hands.--3, 4. Since many, not grossly vicious, fail under that character.--5, 6. A more particular illustration of this case, with an appeal to the reader, whether it be not his own.--7 to 9. Expostulation with such.--10 to 12. More particularly--From acknowledged principles relating to the Nature of Got, his universal presence, agency, and perfection.--13. From a view of personal obligations to him.--14. From the danger Of this
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The Value of Life
Whatever our present conceptions of Jesus Christ may be, we ought to approach our study of his teachings with a sense of reverence. With the slenderest human means at his disposal, within a brief span of time, he raised our understanding of God and of human life to new levels forever, and set forces in motion which revolutionized history. Of his teachings we have only fragments, but they have an inexhaustible vitality. In this course we are to examine these as our source material in order to discover,
Walter Rauschenbusch—The Social Principles of Jesus

Tenth Lesson. What Wilt Thou?'
What wilt thou?' Or, Prayer must be Definite. And Jesus answered him, and said, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?'--Mark x. 51; Luke xviii. 41. THE blind man had been crying out aloud, and that a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.' The cry had reached the ear of the Lord; He knew what he wanted, and was ready to grant it him. But ere He does it, He asks him: What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?' He wants to hear from his own lips, not only the general petition
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Questions and Answers--Sorrowful Cases--Testimonies from those who have Visited Canada--Stewardship.
Questions and Answers--Sorrowful Cases--Testimonies from those who have visited Canada--Stewardship. The fallowing plain answers to practical questions, are written by those well acquainted with the work:-- I. "Are these children really street Arabs? If not, where do you find so many?" In the early days of the work, before the establishment of School Boards and kindred institutions, a large proportion of the children were actually taken from the streets. Now, the rescue work begins farther back,
Clara M. S. Lowe—God's Answers

The Journey to Jerusalem
"And they went in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them; and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid."--Mark 10:32. "Jesu, was hat dich getrieben." [38]Laurentius Laurenti. transl., Sarah Findlater, 1855 Jesus! what was that which drew Thee To Jerusalem's ancient gate? Ah! the love that burned so truly, Would not suffer Thee to wait! On Thou journeyedst, thus securing Me a city more enduring! To my spirit now draw nearer, Lord, as to Jerusalem! Let each moment
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther

The Footsteps
"Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of."--Mark x. 39. Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Behold, My bride, how fair My mouth, Mine eyes; My heart is glowing fire, My hand is grace-- And see how swift My foot, and follow Me. For thou with Me shalt scorned and martyred be, Betrayed by envy, tempted in the wilds, And seized by hate, and bound by calumny; And they shall bind thine eyes lest thou should'st see, By hiding Mine eternal truth from thee. And they shall scourge
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

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