Excited voices, a crowded road, and one man who refused to stop calling out to Jesus — the story of Blind Bartimaeus is powerful for little hearts. Preschoolers easily understand what it feels like to want help and to be heard. The ideas below will help you share this meaningful story in active, simple ways that teach children they can call on Jesus too.
Objective: Jesus gives me strength to keep going even though I want to give up.
Scripture: Mark 10:46-52
The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eye: pg 280-281
My Story Bible: pg 100-103
Through the Bible in Felt: pg 206
Character Trait: Persevering
Definition: Not stopping even though problems come and you feel like quitting
Opposite: Giving up
Shorten the verses as appropriate for the child's developmental level.
Psalm 34:17 (NIV)
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Psalm 146:8 (NIV)
The Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down.
Matthew 7:7 (NIV)
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Isaiah 42:16 (NIV)
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them.
Introduce your preschoolers to the God's love with our fun and engaging New Testament Curriculum. Filled with interactive Bible stories, play-based activities, and learning crafts, this Curriculum brings the teachings of Jesus to life in a way young children will understand and enjoy.
Sheet available in the Bible Activity Workbook
Use colored pencils to decorate the worksheet.
Help your little ones learn their colors with these vibrant, fun flashcards—perfect for preschoolers! Click the link below to download your free set today and start learning through play.
All Printables Free for Immediate Family Use or with a Current License Only
Free Coloring Sheet for Immediate Family Use: Blind Bartimaeus
Try to do a normal activity with a blindfold on. Help the child understand how excited Bartimaeus must have been to have his sight restored.
Let one child pretend to sit by the “road” while others walk past. Practice calling out, “Jesus, help me!”
Instruct the child to walk around the room. When you say, “Jesus stopped,” everyone freezes.
After receiving his sight, Bartimaeus followed Jesus. Instruct the child to cover their eyes. When you say, "Your faith has healed you," have the child follow you like Bartimaeus followed Jesus.
Practice calling out softly, then louder — just like Bartimaeus refused to stay quiet. Discuss the levels of volume and what each are for. Use the Volume Control Chart for a visual, explaining why Bartimaeus wanted to use his loudest voice.
Instruct the child to cover his eyes. Make a sound that the child would be familiar with. Ask the child to identify each sound around the room to emphasize how Bartimaeus heard Jesus passing by.
Available in the New Testament Curriculum and 4 Year Interactive Bible Stories.
