"'What do you want me to do for you?' That is the question Jesus posed to Bartimaeus, a question that targeted his deep desire and led to his deep healing."

–Tyler Staton

Shoutout to Life Groups serving together!

Serving together is a great way not only to build community and strengthen relationships, but also to follow Jesus’ commands. Let’s be intentional about seeing the opportunities around us and jumping in! 

If you want to plan a serving opportunity for your Life Group, check out some options!

LUKE: Cost of Discipleship

Luke 18:31-43

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We’re diving back into the Gospel of Luke. After nine chapters introducing us to Jesus and His call, Luke now takes us with Him on the road to Jerusalem (Luke 9-19). Along the way, we’ll hear some of Jesus’ most famous teachings and stories, as He shows us what it truly costs to follow Him and why following Him is worth everything.

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The Big Idea

(What is the author's point?)

When we know Jesus, we can trust Him and follow Him wholeheartedly. 

Why It Matters

(Why is this relevant to us?)

This passage has an ironic punch. Jesus clearly tells the disciples what is about to happen, yet they don’t understand. They have walked with Jesus and heard His teaching, but they still cannot see what is right in front of them. 

In contrast, the blind man cannot physically see, but he recognizes Jesus for who He is. He knows his need, cries out to Jesus in faith and trusts Him to heal. Jesus restores his sight, and the man responds by praising God and following Christ. His story is a blueprint for discipleship for what it looks like to walk with Jesus. His life is radically changed as he enters the upside-down Kingdom of God, and his response is one of praise and joyful following.  

Good to Know

(What are some helpful insights into this passage?)

Verses 31-33: The cross is to be seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.  

Verse 35: This was an ideal spot for the blind man. Not only was giving to the poor a highly valued part of Jewish customs, but travelers on their way to the Passover in Jerusalem would have been extra generous.  

Verse 38: Instead of repeating the same name, the blind man calls Jesus “Son of David,” a distinctly messianic title. Jesus is the promised Savior. 

Verse 39: For the second time, the crowd are oppressors, trying to keep the socially unimportant away from Jesus. The blind man shows persevering faith by continuing to call out.  

Verse 41: Jesus puts the blind man to the test and he passes. Instead of asking for simple mercy in the form of money/coins, the man asks for his true desire: to see. This required great faith, as he would no longer be able to beg and earn money. His entire reality would change. Notice also the title shift, the blind man recognizes Jesus as Lord.  

Verse 42: The word for healing here in Greek is sozo. This means that his healing was more than physical, but also spiritual—“his faith healed him.” 

Verse 43: The healed man now follows Jesus (discipleship) and recognized God by praising Him as the source of Jesus’s healing powers.  

Group Guide

Following the series with your group? 

• Start with some icebreaker questions.
• Read the passage together before you dive in. 
• Share any insights from the message. Use the questions below to get your conversation started.

Conversation Starters

1. Imagine you were part of the crowd witnessing Jesus and the blind man. What do you notice? How would you react?  

2. What people in our society today are equivalent to the blind beggar/the oppressed?  

3. The blind man shows a trust in Jesus's heart for the needy by asking for his deepest desire. Are there any areas that we hold back from Jesus?  

4. The blind man experienced radical transformation. How have you experienced transformation because of Jesus?  

Prayer

Dear Father, we praise you for being a God of compassion, mercy and care. Help us to bring our deepest desires to you and to follow where you lead. Thank you for continually forming us. Amen  

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