On our mini-farm, we have eight ducks. They came to us as cute, fluffy ducklings, indistinguishable from one another. As they grew, it became clear that one moved a bit slower than her sisters. One of her legs was shorter than its counterparts, causing a pronounced limp. We named her Little Bit, and she quickly became our family’s favorite duck. However, just as quickly she became the outcast of the flock. Trailing behind the others, Little Bit was always last to the food and last into the coop at night. When we would put vegetable scraps out, the other ducks would run over, leaving Little Bit in their dust. If a threat was perceived (usually one of our dogs), the seven “abled” ducks would seek shelter, never waiting for our differently-abled girl to catch up. Little Bit’s fellow fowl did little to nothing to make sure she thrived or even survived.
Forcing those with disabilities to the margins of the community is not unique to ducks. Humans have done the same to our own species. In today’s lesson, children will explore the story of Jesus healing Bartimaeus to discover the ways people have ostracized those who are differently-abled and the importance of disciples of Christ creating inclusive, welcoming communities for those at the fringes of society.
Begin your time with the children by asking each to think about a time when they felt left out of a group. If they are willing, have them share these stories. Then ask them to share how it felt to be an outsider. Did anything happen that allowed them to become part of the group? How did this experience feel? Encourage the children to hold these memories in the back of their heads as they hear today’s story.
Prepare to read aloud Mark 10:46-52. Share a bit of background with the children about the treatment of those with disabilities during Jesus’ lifetime. Note that those who were disabled often could not work for a living. This meant that they were forced to beg for what they needed to live. While most people of the Jewish faith would see it as their responsibility to give beggars money or food, it still would not be enough to live comfortably. The main character of today’s reading, Bartimaeus, is blind and is begging outside of the city of Jericho when Jesus and his disciples arrive to the town.
Read Mark 10:46-52 aloud. Have the children recount what Bartimaeus does when Jesus and his disciples arrive. Then ask them how the disciples respond. Bartimaeus calls out for Jesus asking him to have mercy. The disciples yell at the blind man, telling him to be quiet. Still, Bartimaeus continues to speak to Jesus. Continue the discussion by having the children share Jesus’ response to Bartimaeus’ request to cure his blindness. Jesus heals Bartimaeus, despite the disciples’ initial refusal to allow him to speak. Finally, ask the children what Bartimaeus does after he is healed. He immediately joins the disciples, becoming a follower of Jesus. He is now part of a community, something he wasn’t able to experience while he was blind and begging on the side of the road.
Have the children reflect on Bartimaeus’ transformation. How did he likely feel while he was begging? What is different now that he is healed? How do you think Bartimaeus feels once he becomes a follower of Christ?
Extend the discussion to the children’s lives. Note that the message of this story isn’t just for the people who followed Jesus during his life on earth. It is for us also. As Christ’s modern-day disciples, we are called to bring those who feel like outcasts from their communities feel welcome and valued, just as Jesus did for Bartimaeus.
Ask the children to brainstorm a list of people or groups of people who may not feel welcome in the church. Encourage them to think of those in their immediate communities as well as those in the larger world. Talk about why these people feel like they are on the edges of the church community like Bartimaeus was. Then, talk about how the children might bring them into the fold. How can they be like Jesus was to Bartimaeus? Hone in on a few achievable action items. If the children can carry these out on their own, make plans for them to do so. If the larger church community needs to be involved, consider writing a letter or email to those adults who might assist the children.
Joelle Brummit-Yale is the director of children’s and youth ministries at Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. When not at the church, she can usually be found at home with her son and husband caring for their many animals and developing their family homestead.
