Sermon Note: Let me See

Introduction

As we conclude our Walking with Jesus series, we explore the story of blind Bartimaeus. This final encounter of the series invites us to see clearly—ourselves, others, and the path ahead. Like Bartimaeus, we are called to cast off what weighs us down and follow Jesus with new vision. Discipleship means letting go of burdens, embracing transformation, and offering prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness as part of our journey of faith.

Illustration Video

Why this video?

This clip exemplifies the heart of Bartimaeus’s encounter with Jesus. Just as Fred Rogers sees past Lloyd’s cynicism to his deeper needs, Jesus sees Bartimaeus not only as a man with a physical impairment but as someone longing for transformation. Both stories emphasize that truly seeing others requires presence and openness. This invites us to engage in reflection, much like Bartimaeus did when he cast aside his cloak and chose to follow Jesus with new vision.

Video Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you about the way Fred Rogers interacts with Lloyd in this scene?
2. How might pausing to reflect on those who’ve “loved us into being” change the way we see others?
3. How often do we move through life without truly seeing the people we encounter?
4. What habits or assumptions prevent us from recognizing the needs of others?
5. How might paying deeper attention to others shape our ministry and relationships?

Mark 10:42-52 (NRSVue)

⁴⁶They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. ⁴⁷When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁸Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

⁴⁹Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.”

And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” ⁵⁰So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.

⁵¹Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.”

⁵²Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

Scripture Discussion Questions

1. Who is “the Son of David”? Who is crying out for this “Son of David” to have mercy on him?
2. What does Jesus say restores the sight of Bartimaeus?
3. All different translations of this text end with Bartimaeus “regaining his sight and following him [Jesus] on the way” (v52). What do you think is the significance of Mark including this healed man following Jesus as opposed to other miracles where Jesus and the healed person go their separate ways?
4. Our faith encourages us to confess and commit to recognizing areas of need and the people crying out for mercy. These are often people who have been ignored for too long. When Jesus asks Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” how can we hear this question directed toward us? What does it mean for Jesus to ask us this question? How would you respond?
5. Bartimaeus responded, “My teacher, let me see again.” What do you want Jesus to help you see? How do you think Jesus is calling you to see his presence in your life as well as the needs of those around you? What are some ways you and your church can recognize people who are crying out for help and how God might be calling you to be in ministry in new ways?
6. Do you think it is significant that Jesus calls for the crowds to be quiet? Do we sometimes block others from being transformed by Jesus?

Additional (optional) Questions

1. Is there anything that stands out to you in this scripture that you hadn’t noticed before? If so, what stood out?
2. Do you know anything about the context of this scripture (what was happening before/after, who the characters are)? If not, use your Bible or an online resource to look at a few verses before and after this text. Does anything in the context give you deeper understanding of this story about a blind man? If so, what?
3. Have you ever been convinced about someone you don’t know based on how others see that person? Have you ever found that you were wrong in a situation like this?
4. Have you ever had a friend visit for the first time? Do you look at your home differently when you shift your perception to what you think your visitor sees?
5. Bartimaeus was always on the roadside. Do you think people saw him differently after Jesus noticed him? If so, how might they have seen him differently?
6. When Jesus said, “Your faith has healed you,” we can imagine that he was talking about more than the man’s eyes. How can we see people the way Jesus sees people? How can we hear people who are reaching out for mercy the way Jesus hears them?
7. Bartimaeus had been ignored. How can we notice and help people who have been ignored to feel welcome?

Weekly Action

Take time each day this week to slow down and notice someone you might usually overlook. Offer a simple gesture—like a kind word, a note of appreciation, or an intentional conversation—to acknowledge their presence. Reflect on how this practice opens your eyes to new ways of seeing others and following Jesus more deeply.

Prayer

Faithful God, day by day, we see glimpses of your glory. Quiet our hearts and open our eyes to see your goodness in front of us. Give us the gift of faith to see new possibilities or dreams for ministry. We pray this to you, the great Physician who makes us whole. Amen.

Disclosure: This Sermon Note was created by LJUMC staff with the support of AI tools.