Initiate

A video introduction using illustrations, personal stories, metaphors, or active learning examples to begin the discussion.

Interact

After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others. 

Determination is a powerful trait, especially when guided by purpose. It helps both people and animals achieve their goals, no matter how challenging they seem.

Consider these examples: 

• The honey badger is fearless, taking on animals much larger than itself, such as lions. 
• The wolverine is remarkably tough, hunting prey far bigger than itself. 
• The African buffalo demonstrates strength through its loyalty to the herd and unpredictable nature, making it one of Africa’s most formidable animals. 
• The boar is resilient, thriving in almost any environment. 
• Even the cockroach never gives up, surviving in extreme conditions like radiation and starvation. 

These animals show that persistence and focus can help overcome challenges, no matter the odds.

Now let’s explore how we perceive determination. Consider the following “Either/Or” question:

If you had to choose, would you describe the following words as helpful or hurtful? Why? 

• Insistent 
• Persistent
• Tenacious 
• Stubborn

Explain your response.

Insight

The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.

Then participants are to ask:

1. What is going on in this passage of Scripture?
2. What are the key words and phrases? Highlight them.
3. Why do you think this passage is included in the Bible?
4. What does it contribute to our “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ”?

Read Mark 10:46-52:Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight

46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Download Mark 10:46-52

As Bartimaeus cries, “Son of David,” many react. Why? They are heading to Jerusalem, under Roman surveillance, where cries like “Son of David”—a Messianic title—could draw dangerous attention. Yet, amid the tension, Jesus stops and asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus’s focus shows that every voice matters. Have you ever felt as if your voice is lost in the noise?

Bartimaeus, casting everything aside, leaps to meet Jesus—a rare act of faith for a blind man. Jesus’s question, though obvious, reveals Bartimaeus’s faith and heart. How would you answer if Jesus asked you the same thing?

Mark’s Gospel, written for Christians in Rome, includes specific names like Jairus (5:22), Simon the Leper (14:3), Alexander and Rufus (15:21 and Romans 16:13), Salome (15:40) and Bartimaeus. These details likely resonated with readers familiar with their faith community. After receiving his sight, Bartimaeus "followed Jesus along the way," reflecting the early Christians' identity as followers of "the Way" (Acts 9:2; 19:9,23; 22:4, 14).

In life, where do you need to be persistent or determined in following Jesus?