Mark’s Gospel is a drama in 3 acts. The middle ‘act’ is bookended by two stories of blind men being healed by Jesus (8:22 & 10:46). Like other places in the New Testament, Mark is using physical blindness to point out spiritual blindness. Even Jesus’ closest disciples were blind to the purpose of his coming and what it would mean for them as followers (their own cross). Three times in this brief section of Mark, Jesus predicts his crucifixion, but no one understands what he is saying. Even today, many people misunderstand Jesus’ mission. He came to die, and by his wounds we are healed.

Jesus heals us by the cross.

“The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom.” (Mark 10:45). The cross of Christ ransoms us from the guilt and condemnation of sin. His cross defeats hell and death and leads into a new way of living. Thus, early Christianity became known as the Way. 

After hearing Blind Bartimaeus’ request to see, Jesus tells him that his faith has made him well and to go on his way. But Bartimaeus begins to follow Jesus on the Way. He is a model of discipleship: He heard stories of Jesus and believed him to be the “Son of David,” shorthand for the promised Messiah. He was broken enough to cry out for help. When Jesus called him, he leapt up to follow.

Taking It Home: Jesus says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34). The cross is not merely a burden, but a death instrument. What must you put to death in order to live the new life of Christ-likeness?

Family Discussion Question: Why did the crowd tell Bartimaeus to be quiet?