Mark 10:46-52

1. When I began my second master's program, I understood that I needed to start planning my dissertation. However, beginning the dissertation process wasn't straightforward. Initially, I misinterpreted the term 'problems.' Because I wasn't keen on addressing personal issues, I assumed I had enough of those already. But I learned that in the context of a dissertation, 'problems' refers to research questions. Once I grasped this, I could begin collecting resources to address those research questions. I'm bringing this up because we'll encounter several questions and answers in Mark 10. As I've said before, the story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10 isn't simply about regaining eyesight. Rather, it illustrates Jesus' path and ministry. Therefore, I'll approach Mark 10 by considering the chapter's overall context and structure.

Mark 10:46–49 NASB 2020

Then they came to Jericho. And later, as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a beggar who was blind named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road. And when he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” So they called the man who was blind, saying to him, “Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you.”

Mark 10:50–52 NASB 2020

And throwing off his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus. And replying to him, Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And the man who was blind said to Him, “Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!”And Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.

2. When we ask a question, it shows we're curious about something or someone. Take, for example, when I first saw my wife. I knew I could marry her, but I didn't know her at all—not even her name. So, I became interested in learning about her. This is a normal process when we care about someone or something. I believe our curiosity is the beginning of our relationships, studies, work, and everything else we do. To understand today's Bible passage, it's helpful to look at the conversations in Mark chapter 10. Here's a summary of that chapter's structure.

1. A dialogue about Divorce (Mark 10:1-12)

      = Consequence of the dialogue: Jesus Blesses the Children (Mark 10:13-16)

2. A dialogue with the Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-22)

     = Consequence of the dialogue: The Danger of Riches (Mark 10:23-27)

3. Rewards for Sacrifice (Mark 10:28-31)

     = Purpose of His coming: Jesus Predicts His Death (Mark 10:32-34)

4. A dialogue about  request of James and John (Mark 10:35-45)

5. Teaching of Mark 10: Healing of Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52)

3. Each book in the Bible serves a specific goal. For instance, the first five books, attributed to Moses, aim to explain God's character and actions to the ancient Israelites. The books of the Prophets focus on God's interactions with various nations, offering encouragement and warnings. The New Testament letters instruct early Christians on maintaining their faith during Roman and Jewish persecution, and they also discuss the anticipation of Jesus' return. By understanding these purposes, we gain insight into God's character and actions, particularly God's work through Jesus Christ. We also learn about Jesus and the central importance of faith in Him. Similarly, the Gospels, while all focused on Jesus, each have their own specific intentions. They aimed to encourage Christians to maintain their faith during persecution, assuring them of their eternal union with Jesus, even in death.

4. Therefore, the first readers of the New Testaments were Christians who are followers of Christ in the first century so we need to approach today's passage with this viewpoint. The structure we're using today is a question-and-answer format. As we've read, Jesus taught his disciples during his ministry on earth. He used parables, as we discussed last Sunday, and he also engaged in conversations. Jesus had three dialogues with different groups. One of these was with the Pharisees. Their question centered on interpreting and following the Law. The Pharisees approached Jesus to test him, asking if divorce was permissible. Jesus pointed to Moses' commandment, which allowed divorce because of people's stubbornness. However, he stressed that from the beginning, God intended marriage to be a permanent union between a man and a woman. Jesus quoted Genesis, saying that a man should leave his parents and unite with his wife, and they would become one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no one should separate.

Genesis 2:24 NASB 2020

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.

5. After that, Jesus spoke about children, drawing a comparison between the Pharisees and them. While the Pharisees approached Jesus to test him, the children had no hidden intentions. They simply wanted to be near him. 

Mark 10:13–16 NASB 2020

And they were bringing children to Him so that He would touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Allow the children to come to Me; do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.

6. I remember a time at church during high school. A baby started crying during the service, and people were annoyed. The mother panicked and didn't know what to do. In that tense moment, the pastor scolded her from the pulpit. I was upset, even as a high school student. So, I helped her leave the sanctuary, and she went home. The baby wasn't crying intentionally. He had no ulterior motive. Similarly, when children came to Jesus, they weren't seeking healing or knowledge. They simply liked being near him. This prompts us to examine our own intentions. When we come to church, what drives us? Are we trying to test Jesus, seek personal gain from God, or simply enjoy being in his presence? Do we approach God with the mindset of the Pharisees or the children?

7. We also see another dialogue between Jesus and his disciples. Some of them wanted to sit at Jesus' right hand. In a political context, the right hand signifies a position of government power, with control over people. So, it's likely they desired a higher position of authority. However, Jesus' perspective differed from theirs. He explained the true meaning of sitting at his right hand.

Mark 10:38 NLT

But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?”

Mark 10:41–45 NASB 2020

Hearing this, the other ten began to feel indignant with James and John. Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them; and their people in high position exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you; rather, whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant; and whoever wants to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

8. Jesus' method of fulfilling God's plan differed greatly from worldly ideas. While the world prioritizes building powerful nations and using war to achieve its goals, Jesus' approach was radically different. He emphasized serving others and sacrificing himself for them. Therefore, sitting at Jesus' right hand meant being ready to follow his path, not their own, and being prepared to serve and sacrifice. Following this dialogue, Jesus healed Bartimaeus, who was blind.

Mark 10:51–52 ESV

And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

9. Jesus didn't ignore his request for healing and cured him as asked. Bartimaeus had no hidden agenda. His request was simple: to be healed and to see. God certainly accepts a humble and contrite heart. He doesn't disregard them.

Psalm 51:16–17 AMP

For You delight not in sacrifice, or else would I give it; You find no pleasure in burnt offering. My sacrifice [the sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart [broken down with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.

10. We can now apply the lessons of Mark 10 to our lives. Mark didn't write his Gospel during Jesus' earthly ministry. Scholars believe he wrote it after 70 AD, 30 years after the ascension of Jesus, as Mark was a second-generation Christian in the first century. He likely organized these dialogues and stories under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Through this structure, we gain valuable insight. As his followers, we should be sincere, not double-minded like the Pharisees or the disciples. They all had hidden motives when they approached Jesus. Their viewpoints still didn't align with Jesus' teachings. The Pharisees, in particular, weren't interested in learning from or following Jesus; they wanted to test him and trap him. But children and Bartimaeus had no ulterior motives. They simply approached Jesus with open hearts.

James 1:6–8 NASB 2020

But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

James 4:8 NKJV

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

11. After finishing my master's degree in Toronto, I wanted to begin pastoral ministry at a Canadian church. However, only a church in Saskatchewan contacted me. Many Koreans told me I shouldn't go, believing I only wanted to move there for permanent residency. They assumed my motivation was immigration, not ministry for God's kingdom. After starting my ministry in Pelly, I was surprised to find the church had little understanding of the needs of foreign workers like me. They didn't realize I needed to maintain my work permit to stay. So, I decided to apply for permanent residency. Seven years later, I'm still here. It’s been 11 years since I have lived in Saskatchewan. Now, my friends in Toronto believe my initial intention was indeed ministry, not immigration. 

12. God works through our prayers and hopes, but ultimately, he fulfills his own purposes. Therefore, God asks us to have pure hearts, free from hidden motives. We know that when we seek God's Kingdom and his righteousness, he will fulfill our desires and hopes. Humility means having a sincere heart. Being a Christian means avoiding double-mindedness before God. Don't think, 'I'll seek God's kingdom first because he'll fulfill my hopes and dreams.' That approach, putting your desires first, is double-minded. Instead, focus on seeking God first. Follow him, and he won't neglect your needs. Let us have pure and sincere hearts, like the children and Bartimaeus. God is with us, and we are in him. Praise God!

Podcast https://youtu.be/bggv2irPg_w

Key Concepts:

• Research Questions vs. Personal Problems: Understanding the academic use of the term "problems" in dissertation work as distinct from personal difficulties.

• Mark's Gospel Purpose: Recognising that each Gospel has a specific intention and audience.

• First-Century Christian Context: Appreciating the original audience and circumstances of the New Testament writings.

• Dialogue as a Teaching Method: Understanding how Jesus used conversations to instruct his followers.

• Sincerity of Intention: The importance of approaching God with a pure heart, free from hidden motives or double-mindedness.

• Worldly vs. Kingdom Values: Contrasting societal priorities (power, dominance) with Jesus' emphasis on service and sacrifice.

• Faith and Healing: The role of faith in receiving God's grace and healing, as exemplified by Bartimaeus.

• Humility and Openness: The childlike approach to God, characterised by a lack of ulterior motives and a desire for his presence.

• Double-mindedness: The instability and lack of effectiveness that comes from divided loyalties and insincere intentions.

• Seeking God's Kingdom First: Prioritising God's will and righteousness above personal desires, trusting that needs will be met.

Quiz:

• According to the author, what is a key difference between the initial misunderstanding of "problems" in dissertation work and the actual meaning in that context?

• The author suggests that the story of Bartimaeus is not solely about physical healing. What broader aspect of Jesus' ministry does the author believe it illustrates?

• Based on the provided text, what was the central issue discussed in the dialogue between Jesus and the Pharisees in Mark 10? What did Jesus emphasise about God's original intention for marriage?

• Contrast the intentions of the Pharisees and the children when they approached Jesus, as highlighted in the passage. What lesson does the author draw from this comparison regarding our own approach to God?

• In the dialogue with James and John, what were they seeking from Jesus, and how did Jesus redefine the meaning of a prominent position in his kingdom?

• How does the author contrast Jesus' approach to achieving God's plan with typical worldly methods? What did Jesus emphasise instead?

• Describe Bartimaeus' request to Jesus and what the author points out about his intentions. How does this relate to Psalm 51:16-17?

• According to the author, when was Mark's Gospel likely written, and what was a key characteristic of its original audience? How should this influence our understanding of the text?

• What does the author mean by "double-mindedness" in the context of approaching God, drawing on the passages from James?

• How does the author's personal experience in Saskatchewan illustrate the tension between personal desires (like immigration) and seeking God's will? What is the ultimate lesson drawn from this experience?

Answer Key:

• Initially, the author thought "problems" in a dissertation referred to personal issues, but they learned it actually means research questions that the dissertation will address. This understanding was crucial for beginning the research process.

• The author believes the story of Bartimaeus illustrates Jesus' overall path and ministry, going beyond just the act of regaining eyesight to highlight a deeper spiritual significance.

• The Pharisees questioned Jesus about the permissibility of divorce, attempting to test him. Jesus responded by pointing to God's original intention for marriage as a permanent union between a man and a woman, as stated in Genesis.

• The Pharisees approached Jesus with hidden intentions, trying to test or trap him, while the children simply wanted to be near him without any ulterior motives. This prompts us to examine whether we approach God with testing motives or with the simple desire to be in his presence.

• James and John requested to sit at Jesus' right hand, signifying positions of power and authority. Jesus redefined this by explaining that true prominence in his kingdom comes through servanthood and being a slave to all, exemplified by his own mission to serve and sacrifice.

• The author contrasts the world's focus on power and war with Jesus' radical approach of serving others and sacrificing himself. Jesus prioritised service and self-sacrifice as the means to fulfil God's plan.

• Bartimaeus asked Jesus to regain his sight, and the author notes that his request was simple and without any hidden agenda. This relates to Psalm 51:16-17, which highlights that God values a broken and contrite heart over mere sacrifice.

• The author states that Mark's Gospel was likely written after 70 AD, about 30 years after Jesus' ascension, and its original audience was second-generation Christians in the first century facing potential persecution. This context suggests the Gospel aimed to encourage their faith and assure them of their union with Christ.

• "Double-mindedness" refers to having divided loyalties and insincere intentions when approaching God, being unstable and doubting. It means not having a pure heart fully committed to seeking God and his kingdom first.

• The author's initial desire to pursue ministry in Canada was perceived by some as a hidden motive for immigration. However, his continued ministry in Saskatchewan despite challenges illustrates that God works through our hopes but ultimately fulfills his own purposes, emphasizing the need for pure hearts focused on seeking God first.