Encounter 3

mark 10:46-52

Welcome, why not begin by listening to the Bible reading by clicking 'Find out more' at the bottom of this page. You will also find below a video for the whole family, and some thoughts on the passage. 

Jesus and Bartimaeus

What do you want me to do for you? This is the question that Jesus asks Bartimaeus. It might seem obvious to us that Bartimaeus wants to receive his sight! He has been blind from birth and sits by the roadside begging, he cries out to Jesus as he passes. He wants an encounter with Jesus. Jesus could have just healed him coldly and move on, but what does Jesus do? Jesus stops, calls him to him; He sees him and He enters into relationship with him. Jesus asks the question, ‘what do you want me to do for you?’. This gives Bartimaeus a dignity that he has probably never had. It gives Bartimaeus the opportunity to acknowledge and accept the area in his life that needs healing, and leads him into a place of relationship with Jesus. This is where the healing comes.

Where do you need healing today? How often, do we assume that God knows what we want or need in any situation? How often do we expect Jesus to heal us in the areas of our lives that are broken and hurting without having a conversation with him about it?

Jesus asks each of us, ‘what do you want me to do for you?’

What is your response? What do you say?

Jesus brings healing and wholeness to Bartimaeus when he asks. He makes him well. 

Let’s take a moment to reflect on this question that Jesus ask each of us. 

Where do you want Jesus’ healing and wholeness? As we acknowledge it to ourselves and to Jesus, Jesus stops, he calls us to him, He sees us and gives us dignity. He gives us the opportunity to invite Him to heal us and make us whole. 

Thank you Jesus that you see us and you know us, but you never force yourself upon us. Help me to see you, to cry out to you and ask for your healing in my life. Right now Jesus, I ask that you bring healing where I need it [state where you want to be well]. I accept your love for me, and the dignity that you