THE BIBLE MADE SIMPLE Volume 1

Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus

and

A Poem “The Plan”

Understanding an “Acted Parable” Using KEY WORDS

Acted Parable of “Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus”

Mark 10:46 “And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging”.

Mark 10:47 “And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me”.

Mark 10:48 “And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me”.

Mark 10:49 “And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called, And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee”.

Mark 10:50 “And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus”.

Mark 10:51 “And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight“.

Mark 10:52 “And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way“.

How to relate a real Bible Story to Spiritual truth.

1. First, examine the Bible story in terms of what happened in the real world with respect to each real object (physical). Place the word “real” or “physical” before each real object, as you read the story. (It helps to write a paraphrase of your own and write the word “real” or “physical” before each real object in the story).

Physical: On the surface of Scripture, the words of the “Acted Parable” tell us that the man who was physically blind called out to Jesus, as the “son of David”, to heal him and give him physical sight. Jesus heard his call, and commanded him to physically come to Him. The blind man responded by casting his physical garment away and coming physically to Jesus. The blind man received the gift of physical sight from Jesus and physically followed Jesus in the way.

It was the faith of the blind man that allowed Jesus to “make him whole”.

2. Now re-examine the Bible story by placing the word “spiritual” before each real object, and re-read the story.

Spiritual: Below the surface of Scripture, the “Acted Parable” tells us that the man who was spiritually blind called out to Jesus, as the “son of David”, to heal him and give him_________sight. Jesus heard his call, and commanded him to ___________ come to Him. The blind man responded by casting his __________garment away and coming ___________ to Jesus. The blind man received the gift of _____________ sight from Jesus and ______________ followed Jesus in the way.

It was the faith of the blind man that allowed Jesus to “make him whole”.

3. Now, substitute the “spiritual” meaning of each real object back into the story to see spiritual truth.

***make into table***

Key Words Spiritual Meaning

blind – without light without understanding of truth

in darkness Psm.119:130 Eph.4:18

spiritually lost, without salvation

2Cor.4:3,4,6 Mark 4:11,12

receive sight receive “light” or truth Psm.119:130

receive Jesus – The Light

son of David David’s sons were given

“a light forever” 2 Chron.21:7

Jesus (a son of David) Jesus – The Light of the World

Isa.9:2 Mat.4:14 Jn.8:12

old garment sinful life or character Zech.3:3,4

old garment (cast away) sinfulness rejected Isa.64:6

follow Jesus (in the way) follow the truth Jn.14:6

Jesus the Way, the Truth

made whole (by faith) given the gift of salvation,

spiritual wellness Eph.2:8 Rom.5:17

WHOLE thy faith hath made thee w……. Mark 10:52 4982

4982 (“safe”); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (lit. or fig.): - heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.

Understanding an “Acted Parable” Using KEY WORDS

Acted Parable of “Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus”

It was the faith of the blind man that allowed Jesus to “make him whole”.

Spiritual: Below the surface of Scripture, the deeper hidden meaning, of the “Acted Parable” tells us: We are spiritually blind, without understanding of truth and without salvation. We need to call out to Jesus, as the Light of this world, to heal us and give us spiritual sight. Jesus will hear our call and commanded us to “come to Him spiritually”. As we respond and reject our sinful life, He will receive us and we will receive Jesus and the ability to understand truth! We are then to follow that truth, that Jesus, the Way, The Truth, and The Life, has revealed to us. By faith in Him, we will be given the gift of salvation and be made spiritually well.

APPENDIX: (Bible verses giving the Spiritual Meaning of the Key Words

***how to fix this??

Key Word Spiritual Meaning

blind (without light) without understanding of truth,

in darkness without salvation

Psalm.119:130 “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple”.

2Cor.4:3 “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them”.

son of David David’s sons were given a “light forever”

2Chron.21:7 “Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever“.

Jesus (a son of David) Jesus – The Light of the World

Isa.9:2 “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined”.

John 8:12 “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life“.

garment (cast away) old life–old garment–(sinfulness rejected)

Zech.3:3 “Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments…“.

Zech.3:4 “And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment”.

receive sight receive “light” or truth, receive Jesus

Psm.119:130 “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple”.

John 8:12 “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life“.

follow Jesus (in the way) follow the truth

Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life

John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life…“.

made whole (by faith) given the gift of salvation, spiritual wellness

Eph.2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God”.

THE PLAN

Long ago there lived a man, He walked this earth, He had a plan		I don’t understand, You say to me, So I’ll explain it So you can see.

From Heaven’s Gates He traveled far, Past blinding sun And distant star.		Long ago When the world was new, This King made a person Like me or you.

Until He reached This planet small, He came for one, He came for all.		He gave him a brain To think and choose, And gave him power To obey or refuse.

Not as a king, Came He to earth, But a lowly babe Came He by birth.		Things went fine Until one day, This person chose wrong, To disobey!

Born in a manger, On straw He laid, In the home of animals, He had made.		Because of his sin The man must die, Because of our sin So must you and I.

Why did He do this? This great King, This Ruler and Maker Of Everything!		Was there no way out, To right this wrong? Must this be the end Of a beautiful song?

Because of HIS LOVE For you and I, Because of HIS LOVE, That’s why!		All Heaven watches With bated breath, Is there a way To gain victory over death?

Yes, cries the King, I have a plan I’ll gain the victory Over death for man!		To Mary, a virgin, A baby is born. His birth will be questioned, And many will scorn.

There’s a hush in Heaven, There is no more mirth. As the King tells his plan, To come to this earth.		But wise men will travel, From places afar. With gifts for our Saviour, They followed His star.

Listening intently The tears start to flood, As they learn their Creator, Must shed His own blood!		This helpless babe, Jesus, Satan now tries to kill. Through Herod the king. Satan works out his will.

Despised and rejected Acquainted with grief, Crucified to death With a common thief!		To the land of Egypt, They fled in the night, And Satan was helpless, Though he used all his might.

Hung on a cross Between earth and sky, The beings He loves, Will cause Him to die!		When the danger was over To Nazareth they came. A town very wicked, It had little fame.

To millions of angels, To His home in the sky. To His dearly loved Father, Our King says goodbye.		Now a young boy, Jesus learns as we do. By studying the Bible, And the book of Nature too.

His journey has started, Let the contest begin. He will battle with Satan, Our freedom to win!		His Father Joseph, He helped as He could, In the carpenter shop, His hands worked with wood.

He increased in wisdom And stature and might, And to Mary His mother, Was a joy and delight.		Behold the Lamb, The Holy One, John recognized Jesus As God’s own Son.

Jesus studied the scriptures, He knew they were true. He learned of His mission, And Work He must do.		Baptized with water And power from above, On Jesus, the Spirit, Descends like a dove.

To the synagogue He went one day, To hear the Pharisees Teach and pray.		Into the wilderness, The Spirit led, Forty days fasting Without any bread.

The message He heard, So proud and aloof, Jesus knew from His study, Was far from the truth!		Satan tempts Jesus With power and might, But our Saviour stands firmly For truth and for right!

Though only twelve, Jesus stood His ground, And taught from the Scriptures Truths deep and profound!		For each temptation, Satan tried to rehearse, It is written said Jesus, Quoting scripture and verse!

Those learned men, With all their “schooling”, Saw that with Jesus, There would be no “fooling”.		To the temple or church Jesus now pays a visit. Magnificent structure. The work is exquisite.

When Jesus was thirty, To the river He went. To hear John the Baptist, Say confess and repent.		But inside the temple Are robbers and thieves. It’s too much for Jesus, His heart how it grieves!

He cleanses the temple And casts them out. My house is for prayer, He says with a shout!		The wind came up, And the waves began to grow. His disciples were frantic, As the boat they did row.

The sick come to Jesus His LOVE is compelling. His touch brings comfort, To even the rebelling.		As Jesus was sleeping, So peaceful that day, His disciples awoke Him, We perish! said they.

To the blind he gives sight, The lame can now walk. The deaf can hear, And the dumb can talk!		Then Jesus stood up And looked at the sea, The wind was howling, The waves high as could be.

The children love Jesus, They run for His arm. They know that He loves them He will do them no harm.		PEACE, BE STILL said Jesus Words only three, But the wind stopped howling And the waves ceased to be!

Jesus tells his disciples, As he holds one so small, You must love like this little one Though you’ve grown up so tall.		All nature obeys Him, Both earth and sky. If mankind had obeyed Him, He wouldn’t have to die!

To your neighbor show kindness, Whenever you can. Show My Love to others, Become a real man.		If you love me, Keep my commandments, Jesus said to his friends. But to many, this test, Seems to offend.

For a boat ride went Jesus, Out on the lake. He was tired and sleepy, So a nap He did take.		Only Jesus was perfect, No one can deny. But still Jesus tells us, My friends please try!

I will give you the power, To overcome sin. If you will open your heart to me I will come in.		But the tomb of death, Could not hold Him! The stone was rolled away. Our Lord and Savior Jesus, Came forth at break of day!

When you do your best, To obey My will, I’ve made provision, To save you still!		When His work on earth Was finished, His work in heaven Would begin.

Though you fall short, And perfection lack, I died on the cross, By My blood, Bought you back!		With words of “I am with you always” Jesus left for heaven again.

By My Righteous Life, I showed you how to live. And My Robe of Righteousness To you I will give.		What has He been doing, Since He went away? He is our Great Mediator, In heaven every day.

When your name comes up, In the records above, I’ll be there to defend you, I’ll show you My Love!		When you take your eyes off Jesus And Satan causes you to sin, He is there to help you, To forgive, and help you win!

Though your sins were as scarlet They will be white as snow. For your sins will be pardoned Only My Life will show!		When you confess your weakness And tell Him all your pain, He will comfort you in trouble, Bring you sunshine, out of rain

Jesus died for us, His life was not in vain! The words of the Bible, Make His Love very plain!		Many years have passed now, And his story has been told. His children dearly love Him, Be they young or be they old.

		Black or yellow, brown or white All are equal in His sight.

When will He come back?

The signs are all foretold.

Study Matthew 24 to see,

What Jesus said of old.

The signs of Jesus coming,

Show He’s coming very soon!

Once again our King will travel,

Past distant star and golden moon.

To gather up His people,

Who have loved Him,

One and all.

His voice will raise the dead.

Who come forth at His call.

He will take us to a glorious land,

Where all are happy and free.

There will be no death or sadness,

And the face of Jesus we will see.

On through endless ages,

We will live and work and play.

All because at one time,

We stopped long enough to pray.

Our Saviour dearly loves us,

He has formed a Perfect Plan!

But without cooperation,

He can’t save a single man!