Conversations- Overhearing Jesus Talk with People on Their Journeys: “Bartimaeus- A Man without Sight Talks with Jesus and Sees” (Billy Russell, 03/31/19)

2019-04-10

Conversations- Overhearing Jesus Talk with People on Their Journeys “Bartimaeus- A Man without Sight Talks with Jesus and Sees” (Luke 18:31-43) Jesus takes his last walk from Jericho up to Jerusalem. He has told the disciples why he was going and what would happen there (Lk.18:31-34). Jesus is interrupted entering the city by a man who is blind and wants an audience with Jesus. What can we learn from overhearing/observing how Jesus connects with people in conver...

Conversations- Overhearing Jesus Talk with People on Their Journeys

“Bartimaeus- A Man without Sight Talks with Jesus and Sees”

(Luke 18:31-43)

Jesus takes his last walk from Jericho up to Jerusalem. He has told the disciples why he was going and what would happen there (Lk.18:31-34). Jesus is interrupted entering the city by a man who is blind and wants an audience with Jesus. What can we learn from overhearing/observing how Jesus connects with people in conversation?

Learning from Jesus’ Conversation

Who is Bartimaeus? Why his story? (18:35-39; cf. Mk.10:46-47)-

Man (“daily wonders why/what he did to deserve this.” M.Card)

described as blind, poor, asking for alms @ the entry to the city.

inquisitive, opportunistic, stubborn, undeterred (go 4 what you need)

insightful (by how he describes Jesus)- this is his moment! Persistent!

Willingness to connect with all kinds of people (18:40)- (cp/ct Ch.18-19)

Maybe the announcement of truth about His identity grabs His attention?

“Jesus, son of David, mercy...” (vv.38-39). Mercy = gift undeserved.

Jesus stops. Man sees Jesus as Messiah even before he is healed (EEE)

Jesus orders the man over to him. “Jesus always ready to serve.” (Bock)

Jesus waits for him: “When he came near...”