SUMMARY
The second of the Gospel of Mark’s three major sections concludes with another account of a blind man who is healed. This story, in combination with the healing of the blind man in Bethsaida (8:22-26), provides a bookend for Mark’s central section.
ANALYSIS
The healing of Bartimaeus (whose name may mean “son of honor”) concludes this central section of the Gospel (8:22-10:52), which begins with the healing of the blind man in Bethsaida (8:22-26). Two stories of blindness frame this section, which focuses teaching from Jesus that identifies his messiahship as centered in his death and resurrection. As Jesus is about to enter Jerusalem, the city of David, Bartimaeus calls out, identifying Jesus two times as the “Son of David” (10:47-48). Jesus asks Bartimaeus what he wants him to do for him, and the simple request is that he receive his sight. Jesus sends him on his way with the words that his faith has made him well (literally, “saved you”). Bartimaeus leads readers into the next major section of the Gospel when he follows Jesus “on the way” (10:52) into Jesus’ passionPassion is the theological term used to describe Jesus' suffering prior to and including his crucifixion. The Passion Narrative (the portions of the Gospels that tell of the Last Supper, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus) are often read in church during Holy Week. More.
