#BibleLesson. Timeless Truths. A New Start

46 Jesus and his disciples came to Jericho. They were leaving the city. A large crowd was with them. A blind man was sitting by the side of the road begging. His name was Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus means Son of Timaeus. 47 He heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. So he began to shout, “Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!”

48 Many people commanded him to stop. They told him to be quiet. But he shouted even louder, “Son of David! Have mercy on me!”

49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call for him.”

So they called out to the blind man, “Cheer up! Get up on your feet! Jesus is calling for you.” 50 He threw his coat to one side. Then 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 be able to see.”

52 “Go,” said Jesus. “Your faith has healed you.” Right away he could see. And he followed Jesus along the road.

Mark 10:46-52 (NIV Readers Version)

 

Mark presents a great story of faith and a new start.

Bart's only option was begging.

 

I. SEIZE THE MOMENT

⁴⁶ Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. ⁴⁷ When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Mark 10:46-47 (NLT)

• Bart takes what might be his only chance.
• He probably had no prior expectations of Jesus's visit.
• You have many opportunities, but you miss many because of procrastination.

 

⁶² Jesus said, “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day!”

Luke 9:62 (MSG)

• Stop making excuses for 2020.

 

II. TAME YOUR FEAR

⁴⁸ Many of the people scolded him and told him to be quiet. But he shouted even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Mark 10:48 (GNT)

• Bartimaeus probably had fear of rejection or disappointment, but he didn’t listen, instead, he shouted louder!
• Who’s disapproval to you fear the most?
• Whoever that is can become our god because they control your approval.

 

²⁵ The fear of human opinion disables you;
    trusting in God protects you from that.

Proverbs 29:25 (MSG)

• God protects you from fear with you exercise faith.
• Don’t worry about what people are thinking about you

because

• they probably aren’t thinking about you anyway!

 

III. ANNOUNCE YOUR FAITH

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

Mark 10:51 (NCV)

Jesus must have known Bart’s need.

He asks Bart to Bart can benefit by announcing his faith.

• Jesus is God.
• Jesus can heal him.
• Jesus is asking you, “What do you want me to do this year?”

 

IV. RECEIVE GOD’S GRACE

• Healing happened when Bart accepted God’s grace.

⁵² And Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.

Mark 10:52

From the fullness of His grace, we have all received one blessing after another.

John 1:16 (NIV)

The reason the promise is based on trusting [faith] is so that it may come as God’s free gift,

Romans 4:16a (CJB) 

Everybody 

• is having a tough time. 
• has a hidden hurt. 
• needs words of encouragement.

Bart was blind, but he had enough vision to see his need.

 

V. TAKE THE NEXT STEP

• The next step might be different for each person.

And immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.

Mark 10:52b

• Bart did not go back to his spot along the road.
• He stopped sitting (v46) and started following.

 

¹⁴ My brothers and sisters, if people say they have faith but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing. 

James 2:14a (NCV)

Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate, and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. 

1 Corinthians 1:30 (MSG)

STOP being a Christian.

START being a Follower of Christ!

God gives a hand to those down on their luck,
    gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.

Psalm 145:14 (MSG)

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