What do you see?

Open with Prayer: God, we thank you for this time together, for the technology that makes it possible, and the hearts that connect us. Be with us as we travel, join us in this journey, and help us see and hear you always. Amen.

To introduce the story, have the everyone (except the driver) close their eyes and imagine.

Imagine you are walking through the dusty streets of an old town in the time of Jesus.  It’s so hot. 

Can you smell some bread baking?

Can you hear people talking, dogs barking, donkeys braying, children laughing… so many noises. 

Can you feel the dust under your feet?

Imagine if you couldn’t see anything, what else would you hear? 

What would you smell? 

What could you feel?

They came to Jericho (pronunciation). As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus (pronunciation) a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and said, ‘Call him here.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart; get up, he is calling you.’ So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

How do you think Bartimaeus felt to see for the very first time?
Why would Jesus listen to Bartimaeus when the others would just tell him to be quiet?
Why would Jesus come near Bartimaeus when others wouldn't bother with him?
Why do you think the first thing Bartimaeus did after he could see was to follow Jesus on the way?
Imagine you are Bartimaeus.  Jesus says to you, “Your faith has made you well.”  How would you feel?  Why? 
What do you say back to Jesus? 

Finish with Prayer:
God, Thank you for your healing and presence.
Thank you for providing us with: (something God has given you)
God today we thank you for: (something or someone you’re grateful for)
God today we need your help with: (something hard or difficult you need to do)
God today please be with: (someone who may be sick, sad, or hurt)
We ask all this in Jesus’ name.
Amen