Growing Kids in Grace: Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus

1. Story:

Tell the story of Jesus healing the blind man (based on Mark 10:46-52 or Luke 18:35-42)

2. Lesson:

The blind beggar, Bartimaeus, could not see. But he could hear the crowd passing by. And he could shout. So he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.”
How did the crowd react? They scolded him. They asked him to be quiet. In their eyes, blind people should be seen and not heard — maybe they thought he was unworthy to disturb Jesus.
Did that stop the blind man? No. In fact, he shouted even louder. “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Sometimes when we call on Jesus, some people may ask us to keep quiet. “Don’t disturb Jesus. He’s very important. And you … who are you? What do you have to offer Him? Don’t make so much noise.”
But we don’t have to let that stop us. We should be like Bartimaeus and call on Jesus anyway — We can be bold because we know He loves us so much.
And Jesus heard the blind beggar. And He asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus said, “Lord, I want to see.” And Jesus healed him!

Today, Jesus is asking us the same question, “What do you want me to do for you?”
And we can, like Bartimaeus, say, “Lord, I want to see.”
What can we see?

When Bartimaeus received his sight, He followed Jesus and praised God. Those around also praised God. When we see Jesus, in His beauty, His wonder, and all that He has done for us, we will also follow Him and praise God. All around us will also praise God.
Memory verse: Isaiah 35:5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.

4. Activity Suggestion

Growing Kids in Grace