MEMORY SCRIPTURE
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing.
(Isaiah 35:5)
Jesus brings hope, healing and inspiration to the physically challenged, demonstrating His boundless love and transformative power.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL READINGS
Mon. 1: Jesus Heals All Manner Of Sicknesses (Matt. 15:30)
Tue. 2: Jesus Heals The Paralytic Man (Mk.2:11)
Wed. 3: Jesus’ Willingness To Heal A 14:8-10)
Thu. 4: Paul Heals The Cripple (Acts Leper (Mk. 1:41)
Sat. 5: Weak Hands And Feeble (Acts 3:7-9)
Fri. 6: Peter Heals A Lame Man Knees (Heb.12:12-13)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Leadership is a ship that harbours all kinds of people irrespective of their backgrounds and challenges. Stop discriminating!
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: Mark 10:46-52; John 9:1-41
Last week, we explored how Jesus influenced Nicodemus and Zacchaeus,and the subsequent impacts on them after their personalencounters.
Jesus’ ministry transcends age, background, status, influence, or affluence, impacting everyone indiscriminately. Healing and deliverance are rooted in love (1 Cor. 13:13). In this lesson, we will focus on how Jesus positively affected the less privileged, even amidst His busy schedule.
LESSON OUTLINE
- THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED BARTIMEAUS
- THE UNNAMED VISUALLY IMPAIRED MAN
LESSON EXPOSITION
THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED BARTIMEAUS (Mark. 10:46-52)
So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called, Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you”.
(v.49)
a) Bartimaeus’ encounter with Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) shows how Jesus interacts with individuals regardless of their physical limitations, showing that He values and empowers everyone, including the visually impaired.
b) v. 47: Bartimaeus’ boldness in crying out to Jesus for help despite his blindness reflects his faith and determination; qualities essential for effective leadership development.
c) v. 49: Jesus’ response to Bartimaeus plea shows His compassion and willingness to engage with those in need. This sets an example for leaders, Bartimaeus inclusive, to prioritise empathy and accessibilily in their interactions.
d) . 52: Bartimaeus’ instant healing and change upon meeting Jesus shows how Christ’s influence transforms people, preparing them for leadership despite their limitations.
e) v. 52: Bartimaeus’ decision to follow Jesus after receiving his sight signifies his
commitment Jesus’ teachings and leadership characteristic of truly aspiring Christian leaders- followership/ discipleship.
THE UNNAMED VISUALLY IMPAIRED MAN (Jn. 9:1-41)
And He said to him, “Go, wash in, the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.
(v.7)
a) vv. 1-7: Jesus met and healed a blind man, showing His compassion and ability to transform lives, even those with disabilities. This likely had a profound impact on the man who was healed.
b) vv, 8-12: Even though the man was blind, Jesus helped him see spiritually. This ilustrates how leadership development requires insightand understanding beyond just physical abilities.
c) v. 13-34: Jesus’ healing actions stirred debate and defied socal conventions. Jesus’ attitude to these showed the healed man how bravery and boldness are needed for leadership despite resistance.
d) vv.17-34: The healed man’s bold witness to what Jesus did and who He is shows the influence of Jesus and the divine miracle on him. The boldness he showed is characteristic of a leader.
e) The blind man boldly testified to Jesus’ miraculous work, showing the transformational power of encountering Jesus and the potential for qleadership through personal testimony.
f) vv.35-38: Jesus followed him up to help him, prompting him to admit Him as Lord and laying the foundation for his potential leadership. He became Jesus’ disciple, defending Him publicly. This shows the potential of proper influence on the less-privileged.
LESSONS DERIVED
- Jesus stopped for Bartimaeus, acknowledging and ministering to the blind man. Stop marginalising the less-privileged.
- Jesus learnt about the healed man’s difficulties and went to find him. Follow-up strengthens fellowship and followership!
QUESTIONS
- How did Jesus influence the 2 visually impaired men?
- What was the resultant effect of His influence on them?
