"I Want to See!"

Mark 10:35-52

Hear the Word

(Groups) Read Mark 10:35-52

The Facts–"Just the Facts, Ma'am."

•	Who came to Jesus?

◦	James and John

•	What request did they make of Jesus?

◦	"Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You."

Interpretation–"What Does It Mean?"

•	(Groups) What is unique or unusual about their request?

◦	It is a 'just say yes' request–a blank check request.

Let's Illustrate!

How familiar is this to you? A little child comes up to her mom and tugs

on her mother's pant leg. When Mom looks down, the child says, "Just say, yes,

Mommy. Just say, yes." Have you ever done that to a parent or teacher? If so, why didn't you ask for what you wanted in the first place? (The request is important to you, but you are not sure that it will be granted.) Maybe you have had someone ask you to "just say yes." How does that make you feel? (Suspicious, defensive, put in a box)

The Facts–"Just the Facts, Ma'am."

•	What did Jesus say in answer to their request?

◦	"What do you want Me to do for you?"

Interpretation–"What Does It Mean?

•	(Groups) What does this tell us about Jesus–particularly His attitude toward those who make requests? (Even selfish requests?)

◦	He does not say yes, or give in to something bad. He does not say no either, but He invites them to ask for what they want.

◦	He is patient; He does not condemn when we make selfish requests; He is willing to give.

The Facts–"Just the Facts, Ma'am."

•	What do the brothers want?

◦	To sit on Jesus' right and left in His glory

Interpretation–"What Does It Mean?"

•	(Groups) What, in principle, are they really asking for?

◦	Power/position

-	What is power good for?

▪	To do great things–So, what I am hearing you say is that they are wanting to do great things for Jesus.

•	(Groups) How much sense does this make, considering what Jesus has been telling them about His mission? Look in the context, both the preceding and the following context, to support your answer.

◦	The preceding context–Jesus has just been talking about His upcoming death.

◦	The following context–Jesus alludes to His death with the 'baptism' statement.

-	Are you hearing the significance of the reference to the right hand and left hand in this context? Where else in Scripture does this appear?

▪	At the cross, two thieves are crucified on Jesus' right and left. (Mt. 27:38; Mk. 15:27; Lk. 23:33)

•	So, in summary, what were the disciples seeing and not seeing?

◦	Seeing themselves–seated in positions of authority–doing great things for God.

◦	Not seeing the cross–the great thing Jesus was about to do for them.

NOTE–There is nothing wrong in wanting to do great things for God. Jesus has given all power and authority to His people. The problem comes when that becomes our focus and we miss the great things God has done for us. Anything we do for God needs to come out of receiving what He has done for us first.

Facts–"Just the Facts, Ma'am."

•	Who else in this chapter had sight issues?

◦	Blind Bartimaeus

Interpretation–"What Does It Mean?"

•	(Groups) Compare the story of James's and John's request with that of Blind Bartimaeus. Look for similarities and differences. Go beyond the surface.

◦	Differences in approach–blank check request versus 'have mercy on me.'

◦	Jesus asked both the same question–"What do you want Me to do for you?"

◦	Answers differ–We want to be "seen" with you verses I want to "see."

◦	The disciples wanted to do great things for God verses Bartimaeus who wanted God to do great things for Him.

◦	The blind man knew his condition; the brothers did not see theirs.

◦	The humility of Bartimaeus versus the pride and self-seeking of the disciples.

Facts–"Just the Facts, Ma'am."

•	Notice, what did Bartimaeus do immediately after being healed?

◦	He began following Jesus on the road (Mark 10:52)

-	Where was Jesus headed? What does the text say?

▪	To Jerusalem; to His death (Mark 10:33)

•	What can we assume Bartimaeus saw in his first week of sightedness?

◦	The cross

Application–"Make it Personal!"

•	What do you want from Jesus today? Some people want to be seen with Jesus; they want to be recognized for doing great things for God. Is that you? Or are you like Bartimaeus–you just want to see Jesus and let Him do great things for you?

•	Today Jesus is saying to you, "What do you want Me to do for you?" What will you ask for? More visibility, more power, etc? Or are you willing to recognize your great need and to let Him love you today?

•	Turn to your neighbor and share your answer to Jesus' question.

•	Who is like Bartimaeus and does not care if others know you need Jesus? Who would be willing to speak up and bless the rest of us? What would you like to say to God today?

•	Pray.

•	Application option: Ray Boltz sings a song entitled "I Want To See" on his album, "Seasons Change". The song is about this story in Mark. In closing, play this song. Ask people to close their eyes and imagine themselves as Bartimaeus crying out to Jesus for mercy and sight.

Let's Sing!

Song Idea #1–Open our Eyes, Lord

Song Idea #2–Open the Eyes of my Heart

Song Idea #3–Verse 1 of Hymn #108–Amazing Grace