Faith and Compassion: The Story of Bartimaeus
Summary
### Summary
Today's sermon focused on the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who encountered Jesus on the road to Jericho. This narrative from Mark 10 illustrates the profound faith and desperation of Bartimaeus, who cried out to Jesus for mercy despite being rebuked by the crowd. His persistence and faith led to his healing, both physically and spiritually. The sermon emphasized the importance of crying out to Jesus, casting aside all hindrances, and coming to Him with our needs. It also highlighted the necessity of seeing others' needs and responding with compassion, just as Jesus did. The story of Bartimaeus serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus is always ready to stop and attend to our cries for help, no matter how busy or burdened He might be.
The sermon also touched on the broader theme of spiritual blindness and the need for God to open our eyes to see His glory, the needs of others, and the world with biblical discernment. It encouraged the congregation to ask God daily to help them see Him more clearly, to see the needs around them, and to navigate life with wisdom and understanding. The example of Bartimaeus teaches us that true faith involves a desperate, unrelenting pursuit of Jesus, and a willingness to leave everything behind to follow Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Cry Out to Jesus: Bartimaeus' story teaches us the importance of crying out to Jesus in our moments of need. Despite the crowd's attempts to silence him, Bartimaeus persisted, demonstrating that true faith is relentless and unashamed. We should not let anything or anyone deter us from seeking Jesus' help and mercy. [46:48]
2. Cast Everything Aside: When Bartimaeus was called by Jesus, he threw aside his garment, symbolizing his willingness to leave everything behind to come to Jesus. This act of casting aside all hindrances is crucial for us as well. We must be willing to let go of our possessions, pride, and self-reliance to fully embrace Jesus and His transformative power. [01:00:12]
3. See Others' Needs: Jesus' response to Bartimaeus highlights the importance of seeing and responding to the needs of others. In a world filled with suffering and neglect, we are called to be compassionate and attentive to those who cry out for help. This requires us to slow down, notice the one in need amidst the many, and act with mercy and love. [52:20]
4. Spiritual Sight: The physical healing of Bartimaeus also symbolizes the spiritual sight that Jesus offers. We are all spiritually blind until Jesus opens our eyes to see His glory and truth. We must continually ask God to help us see Him more clearly and to understand His will for our lives. [01:07:18]
5. Biblical Discernment: The sermon concluded with a call to ask God for biblical discernment. Just as Paul prayed for the Ephesians, we should seek the spirit of wisdom and revelation to navigate life. This involves seeing the world through the lens of Scripture and making decisions that align with God's truth and righteousness. [01:11:40]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:16] - Prayer for Oleg and Others
[02:59] - Call to Be Bright Lights
[04:13] - Prayer for Missionaries and Churches
[26:29] - Story of Yu Yu
[28:14] - Introduction to Bartimaeus
[30:03] - The Heart of a Servant
[31:38] - Context and Details of Bartimaeus' Story
[33:08] - Serious Students of the Bible
[35:00] - The Two Jerichos
[36:29] - Description of Jericho
[38:00] - Bartimaeus' Begging Spot
[45:24] - Cry Out to Jesus
[46:48] - Bartimaeus' Desperation
[52:20] - Have Mercy on Those in Need
[57:12] - The Art of Stopping for One
[01:00:12] - Cast Everything Aside
[01:01:27] - Come to Jesus
[01:07:18] - Ask God to See Him
[01:11:40] - Biblical Discernment
[01:13:44] - Closing Thoughts and Song
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Mark 10:46-52
- 2 Corinthians 4:4-6
- Ephesians 1:15-18
#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did Bartimaeus take when he heard that Jesus was passing by? ([45:24])
2. How did the crowd initially respond to Bartimaeus' cries for help, and how did their response change after Jesus stopped? ([48:53])
3. What did Bartimaeus do with his garment when Jesus called him, and what might this symbolize? ([01:00:12])
4. What was Bartimaeus' request when Jesus asked him what he wanted? ([01:01:27])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Bartimaeus was so persistent in crying out to Jesus despite the crowd's attempts to silence him? ([46:48])
2. What does Bartimaeus' willingness to cast aside his garment tell us about his faith and priorities? ([01:00:12])
3. How does Jesus' response to Bartimaeus illustrate His compassion and willingness to help those in need? ([54:04])
4. In what ways does the story of Bartimaeus challenge us to see and respond to the needs of others around us? ([52:20])
#### Application Questions
1. Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus despite the crowd's attempts to silence him. Are there any "crowds" or obstacles in your life that are trying to keep you from seeking Jesus? How can you overcome them? ([46:48])
2. Bartimaeus cast aside his garment to come to Jesus. Is there something in your life that you need to cast aside to fully embrace Jesus and His transformative power? ([01:00:12])
3. Jesus stopped and attended to Bartimaeus' needs despite being surrounded by a large crowd. How can you practice the "art of stopping for one" in your daily life? ([54:04])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of asking God to open our eyes to see His glory and the needs of others. How can you incorporate this prayer into your daily routine? ([01:07:18])
5. The sermon concluded with a call for biblical discernment. What steps can you take to see the world through the lens of Scripture and make decisions that align with God's truth and righteousness? ([01:11:40])
6. Reflect on a time when you were spiritually blind and God opened your eyes to see His truth. How did that experience change your life, and how can you share that testimony with others?
7. Bartimaeus followed Jesus after receiving his sight. What does following Jesus look like in your life right now, and how can you deepen your commitment to Him? ([01:05:01])
Devotional
### Day 1: Relentless Faith in Seeking Jesus
Description: Bartimaeus' story is a powerful testament to the importance of crying out to Jesus in our moments of need. Despite the crowd's attempts to silence him, Bartimaeus persisted, demonstrating that true faith is relentless and unashamed. His desperation and unwavering belief in Jesus' ability to heal him led to his miraculous recovery. This teaches us that we should not let anything or anyone deter us from seeking Jesus' help and mercy. In our own lives, we may face obstacles or discouragements, but we must remain steadfast in our pursuit of Jesus, trusting that He hears our cries and is ready to respond. [46:48]
Bible Passage: "And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!'" (Mark 10:46-47, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you feel desperate for Jesus' intervention. How can you persistently cry out to Him today, despite any discouragements you might face?
### Day 2: Letting Go to Embrace Jesus
Description: When Bartimaeus was called by Jesus, he threw aside his garment, symbolizing his willingness to leave everything behind to come to Jesus. This act of casting aside all hindrances is crucial for us as well. We must be willing to let go of our possessions, pride, and self-reliance to fully embrace Jesus and His transformative power. This story challenges us to examine what we might be holding onto that prevents us from fully following Jesus. Are there material possessions, personal ambitions, or areas of pride that we need to surrender to experience the fullness of life in Christ? [01:00:12]
Bible Passage: "And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, 'What do you want me to do for you?' And the blind man said to him, 'Rabbi, let me recover my sight.'" (Mark 10:50-51, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one thing in your life that you are holding onto that might be hindering your relationship with Jesus. What steps can you take today to let go of it and fully embrace Jesus?
### Day 3: Compassionate Response to Others' Needs
Description: Jesus' response to Bartimaeus highlights the importance of seeing and responding to the needs of others. In a world filled with suffering and neglect, we are called to be compassionate and attentive to those who cry out for help. This requires us to slow down, notice the one in need amidst the many, and act with mercy and love. By following Jesus' example, we can become instruments of His grace and compassion in the lives of those around us. This story encourages us to be more aware of the needs of others and to respond with the same love and care that Jesus showed to Bartimaeus. [52:20]
Bible Passage: "And Jesus stopped and said, 'Call him.' And they called the blind man, saying to him, 'Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.' And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus." (Mark 10:49-50, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is in need of compassion and support. How can you intentionally reach out to them today and show them the love of Jesus?
### Day 4: Seeking Spiritual Sight
Description: The physical healing of Bartimaeus also symbolizes the spiritual sight that Jesus offers. We are all spiritually blind until Jesus opens our eyes to see His glory and truth. This story reminds us of our need to continually ask God to help us see Him more clearly and to understand His will for our lives. Spiritual sight involves recognizing God's presence and activity in our daily lives and aligning our actions with His purposes. By seeking spiritual sight, we can grow in our relationship with God and live in a way that reflects His love and truth to the world. [01:07:18]
Bible Passage: "Then Jesus said to him, 'Go your way; your faith has made you well.' And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way." (Mark 10:52, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel spiritually blind or uncertain? Ask God to open your eyes and give you clarity and understanding of His will for you today.
### Day 5: Navigating Life with Biblical Discernment
Description: The sermon concluded with a call to ask God for biblical discernment. Just as Paul prayed for the Ephesians, we should seek the spirit of wisdom and revelation to navigate life. This involves seeing the world through the lens of Scripture and making decisions that align with God's truth and righteousness. By cultivating biblical discernment, we can make wise choices that honor God and reflect His character. This story encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God and to seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives, trusting that He will lead us in the right direction. [01:11:40]
Bible Passage: "I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints." (Ephesians 1:16-18, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. How can you seek God's wisdom and biblical discernment in future decisions to ensure they align with His truth and righteousness?
Quotes
1. "We just pray that we as believers would stand in stark contrast, in complete opposition to all that is going wrong in this world, that we would be bright lights here in this world as we have joy in this life, even as we suffer difficulties, Lord, but we are your people. We are different. We are like you. We have your blood coursing through our veins, your DNA. And so, Lord, help us to live differently in this world for your glory, for your sake." [02:59] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "A servant doesn't just serve when it's easy. Have you learned that yet? It's not called service if it's easy. A servant doesn't just serve when he wants to serve. He doesn't just serve when he's happy about serving or he's going to get something out of serving. He doesn't just serve when it's a good time for him. He serves whenever the opportunity arises. He serves even when it's not a good day, when it's a hard day. It's a busy day, when it's a trying day. He serves even when the person can offer him nothing in return. He still serves. That's Jesus." [30:03] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Don't get so caught up with the masses that you miss the one. Don't be so focused on gathering as many people as possible together that you forget to focus on just one person at a time. One person on the phone, one person by text, one person by email, one person visiting in a home, one person at the door after the service today. Talk to one at a time. Pray for one at a time. Share the gospel with one at a time. Feed one at a time. Clothe one at a time. Disciple one at a time. Share generously with one person at a time. There will always be one who needs our help, our love, and our mercy." [52:20] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Cry out to Jesus. Whether it was someone next to him, or he heard his name from someone in the crowd. Passing by, we do not know. But the instant he heard that name, that glorious name, that popular name, that powerful name of Jesus, his heart leapt within him. This is his chance. This was his opportunity. This is his moment. Never had he been so close. Never had he been so ready. He had heard of this miracle man before, perhaps. Maybe even he heard him teach before at a distance. But he had never had a chance to meet him face to face. To put his problem in the hands of Jesus. But today is his day, and he will not let him pass him by." [46:48] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Bartimaeus sets aside, any remaining dignity he has left, any restraint that would normally have kept him quiet in that moment, and with reckless abandon, places every single eye of every person on that road traveling that day, squarely on him, as he screams at the top of his lungs. Now, I don't recommend this strategy after the service today. If you see someone you want to talk to, please don't go shouting through the church after them at the top of your lungs. Fred, I need to see you. Fred. Don't do that. That's too much noise. But you know who does do that a lot? Babies. Toddlers do that a lot. Little kids do that, right?" [48:53] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "If you're going to come to Jesus, once again, we find you have to come empty-handed. You must come without pride, without self-righteousness, without pretense, falseness, even without possession. Cast everything else aside, cry to Jesus, cast everything aside, and this third thing, just simply come to Jesus. Verse 50 says, Verse 50, So Jesus answered and said to him, Where did we hear that before, by the way? Pastor Nathan, do you know where we heard that before? He preached on it just last week. That's the exact same question he asked James and John as they come to him with this, what do you want me to do for you guys?" [01:01:27] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Bartimaeus is all of us. We're all blind spiritually until Jesus gives us sight. We are poor, blind beggars until Jesus reaches down to us. He touches us and makes us whole. We bring. We bring nothing but weakness and need to him, and he gives healing and forgiveness and grace. I am so thankful that Jesus stopped and had time for Bartimaeus, aren't you? I'm also so thankful that Jesus stopped and had time for me and has had time for you." [01:05:58] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Ask God to see him. As I said, we're all born spiritually blind. We can't see how glorious and beautiful and valuable God is. Left to ourselves, listen, left to ourselves, we will always go after, we will always prefer something else to Christ. Left to ourselves, we would always choose something else over God. That's who we are. That's our sinful bent. That's why Jesus says things like, seeing you do not see. Why? Because you see. You have eyes. Physically, you can look at stuff, but you don't see the right stuff. Our eyes are always drawn to beautiful things." [01:07:18] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Ask God to see others, to see their needs. 1 John 3, 16 says, By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us, and we ought also to lay our lives down for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods and sees, sees his brother in need, and shuts up, closes up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, I love you, I love you, I love you, but in deed and in truth." [01:10:18] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Ask God to see this world clearly with biblical discernment. Paul prayed, for example, in Ephesians 1, verse 15, Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers, so this is a prayer. This is what I'm praying, Paul says, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation and the knowledge of him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, I love that phrase, the eyes of your heart, literally, being enlightened." [01:11:40] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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