Trustbusters: Guarding Against Choices that Ruin Relationships
Sermon #5 - Trust and Opportunity
Mark 10:46-52
A sermon by Dr. Ken Pell (http://www.potsdam-naz.org/sermons/mark.10.46-52.htm)
Sermon Objective: We influence friends and acquaintances through example. As we choose to follow Christ into a deeper walk others can take notice of the ongoing transformation and be drawn to him.
>> Begin with a story of someone who whet my appetite to follow Jesus. Ex: Mark Johnson lived as a simple yet profound Christian witness during my adolescent years in Conroe, Texas.<<
That is why I say:
Some people are just waiting to see faith make a difference in the lives of Christ’s followers. They want to see it work. They are not asking too much. As God’s Spirit is allowed to inform and transform it builds trust in those watching. If we live in such a manner as to undermine God’s values and promises it erodes trust.
In Mark 9 Jesus began to show us that discipleship expresses itself through relationships. In chapter 10 that theme is extended into more complex relationships that include elements of society. Mark 9:50 serves as a good transition between the two … it hits the nail on the head. Mk 9:50 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”
We have already looked at
“Trust and Marriage” (Mark 10:1-12)
“Trust and Children” (Mark 10:13-16)
“Trust and Possessions” (Mark 10:17-27)
“Trust and Opportunity” (Mk. 10:46-52)
These issues go far in enforcing or destroying the world’s confidence in us as the People of God. When they are handled with wisdom, compassion and obedience, trust is established. When they are handled in a selfish and carnal manner trust is eroded.
This week we will look at Mark 10: 46-52
Mk 10:46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging.
Mk 10:47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Mk 10:48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Mk 10:49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.”
Mk 10:50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
Mk 10:51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
Mk 10:52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
INTRO:
We influence friends and acquaintances through example. As we choose to follow Christ into a deeper walk others can take notice of the ongoing transformation and be drawn to him.
WE INFLUENCE THROUGH EXAMPLE.
Would you say that with me?
WE INFLUENCE THROUGH EXAMPLE.
Jericho is between Jordan and Jerusalem; fifteen miles from Jerusalem to be more precise.
This was a perfect place for begging. The commercial traffic made it a prime location.
This was the perfect time for begging. The upcoming feasts and the tender hearts of the people made this a prime time of the year… similar to Christmas in America from that perspective.
Jesus happens to be one of the many traveling the road that day … a mere coincidence? I doubt it. Jesus, too, was on his way to Jerusalem for the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Passover which followed immediately afterwards. Little did anyone know that Jesus, the Passover lamb, would perform his last recorded healing miracle on the day in question.
With all that was on Jesus’ mind he took time to focus on a blind beggar. I notice Jesus “stopped.” He is making a beeline for Jerusalem but he just stops. I have never done a study of this in the Gospels but I can think of another time or two that Jesus stopped what he was doing … each time something significant, something exciting, something life-giving happened.
Jesus stopped the whole procession in order to give him his sight back. Jesus’ stopping said clearly, “You count.” And that is one of the deep, permanent needs of humanity—the need for respect, the assurance that we “count,” that we are not just merely a number…one of many on the road.
…and here He comes…
…He may never come this way again…
…this was Bartimaeus’ big chance.
… and Jesus stops for him!
“What do you want me to do for you?”
It is the same question Jesus asked James and John just verses earlier. Yet the results, the answer, set a whole different series of events in motion. What a contrast between faith and ambition.
Bartimeaus shows keen insight into the person of Jesus. “Son of David” is only responded too positively in Mark’s Gospel this one time. Bartimeaus must have recognized Jesus as more than a nationalistic conqueror.
Regardless of how full Bartimeaus’ understanding of Jesus was he was about to get the opportunity to know Jesus even more fully and, indeed, to follow him. We might be able to learn from this.
Especially since … we influence friends and acquaintances through example. As we choose to follow Christ into a deeper walk others can take notice of the ongoing transformation and be drawn to him.
Especially since the Bible says “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)
May I offer you some observations from Bartimeaus’ story this morning?
YOUR NEED CAN SERVE AS A WAKE-UP CALL TO COME TO JESUS (V. 46, 47)
Mk 10:46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging.
Mk 10:47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
For Bartimeaus this day began as any other … it was just another day of suffering. It was another day of humiliation. It was another day when he was at the mercy of the passersby. It was another day of living in darkness. But, the commotion told him something unusual was happening. He discovered the healer was passing by. Suddenly he became acutely aware of his disease but this time his awareness was coupled with hope!
What are your needs today? Did you know they can serve as a wake-up call to the goodness of God? Did you know they can be addressed in the person of Jesus Christ?
• Are you lonely? Jesus can satisfy.
• Are you destitute? Jesus can satisfy.
• Are you diseased? Jesus can satisfy.
• Are you angry? Jesus can satisfy.
• Are you hurt? Jesus can satisfy?
• Are you enslaved to a sin or a habit? Jesus can satisfy.
The issue is … “What do you want me to do for you?”
The problem is … some people don’t want to get better.
• They like their sin.
• They prefer the sympathy they get more than they want to fullness of God.
• They have found comfort in their patterns and rhythms and don’t want them upset.
But even so, your need can serve as a wake-up call to come to Jesus. It is not the solution; but awareness coupled with hope is the beginning of transformation. And as you allow yourself to experience God’s transformation, you will see others drawn to him. Because … we influence friends and acquaintances through example. As we choose to follow Christ into a deeper walk others can take notice of the ongoing transformation and be drawn to him too.
YOUR NEED CAN SERVE AS A WAKE-UP CALL TO COME TO JESUS (V. 46, 47)
PEOPLE WILL DISCOURAGE YOU FROM APPROACHING JESUS (V. 48)
Mk 10:48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
There is always someone who wants to hinder you from becoming what God knows you can become. Bartimaeus does not let the crowds deter him.
It is important that once you know “the way” that you walk in it. There will always be people whom the Enemy will employ to dishearten you. But God’s will and faithfulness should serve as your motivation.
Because … we influence friends and acquaintances through example. As we choose to follow Christ into a deeper walk others can take notice of the ongoing transformation and be drawn to him too.
YOUR NEED CAN SERVE AS A WAKE-UP CALL TO COME TO JESUS (V. 46, 47)
PEOPLE WILL DISCOURAGE YOU FROM APPROACHING JESUS (V. 48)
THINGS WILL HINDER YOU FROM APPROACHING JESUS (V. 50)
Mk 10:50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
Bartimaeus throws his cloak aside.
This cloak represented Bartimaeus’ security. It was an important possession. It served as a blanket, a garment, and a gathering tool for alms. It is significant that he throws this aside like the hindrance it was. It paled in comparison to what Jesus was offering him.
This garment was symbolic of his lifestyle as a blind beggar. It was closely linked to his identity. It represented all the restrictions, and limitations and impossibilities of his life. It symbolizes the mental disposition that held him captive. It helped define him and determined his actions.
And Bartimaeus throws his cloak aside.
Bartimaeus had another hindrance too – he was physically handicapped. He could have very well sat there and moaned that Jesus did not come to him. He could have allowed Jesus to pass because he was blind and could not help himself.
But Bartimaeus was not as blind as people thought! He could see very clearly with the eyes of the soul! He knew he was giving up what he could not keep to gain what he could not lose.
If anything comes between us and the lord we must cast it aside. And trust me … there will ALWAYS be “reasons” to hinder you from following God.
What beautiful words!!!! -- “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” These words are for you too. And like Bartimaeus if we will act on God’s call we too will see God’s work in our lives. Three instructions give Bartimaeus opportunity to act on faith:
[1] Cheer up (v. 49)
[2] Get up (v. 49)
• On your feet! Is a call to act … it shows faith and hope.
• In standing up he was leaving the position that defined him as a beggar.
• In coming to Jesus he was leaving the condition that defined him as blind.
[3] Go (v. 50)
Because … we influence friends and acquaintances through example. As we choose to follow Christ into a deeper walk others can take notice of the ongoing transformation and be drawn to him too.
YOUR NEED CAN SERVE AS A WAKE-UP CALL TO COME TO JESUS (V. 46, 47)
PEOPLE WILL DISCOURAGE YOU FROM APPROACHING JESUS (V. 48)
THINGS WILL HINDER YOU FROM APPROACHING JESUS (V. 50)
YOUR FAITH WILL ENERGIZE YOU IN APPROACHING JESUS (V. 48-51)
Mk 10:48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Mk 10:51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
Jesus did not immediately heal the blind beggar. Jesus first asked him a question to stimulate faith (v. 51). Having done that, without any overt action or healing word on Jesus’ part, he sent him away with the words "Go, … your faith has healed you" (v. 52).
His faith was honored! He tossed away his possessions instead of clinging to them; he saw himself as the least and came to Jesus in childlike faith. It was a step into the unknown.
Every phase of growth in the spiritual life requires that you step into the unknown. I can almost guarantee you that God is calling you to go where you have not gone before (the unknown) … that God is calling you to leave your comfort zone. When you do, you will find God there. And you will serve as an example to others.
Because … we influence friends and acquaintances through example. As we choose to follow Christ into a deeper walk others can take notice of the ongoing transformation and be drawn to him too.
YOUR NEED CAN SERVE AS A WAKE-UP CALL TO COME TO JESUS (V. 46, 47)
PEOPLE WILL DISCOURAGE YOU FROM APPROACHING JESUS (V. 48)
THINGS WILL HINDER YOU FROM APPROACHING JESUS (V. 50)
YOUR FAITH WILL ENERGIZE YOU IN APPROACHING JESUS (V. 48-51)
JESUS WILL BLESS YOU FOR YOUR OBEDIENCE (V. 52)
Mk 10:52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
As I said, there seems to be something significant taking place when Jesus stops his normal routine and focuses on a specific situation. It is exciting! Something good is about to happen! Not much will deter or interrupt Jesus – but human need will.
Bartimaeus is showing significant signs of genuine faith. This beggar calls Jesus Rabboni (Lord). This means “my master” not “teacher”. First he called him Son and David and now he calls him Rabboni! Bartimaeus was acknowledging the Lordship of Jesus. Bartimaeus is giving evidence of personal faith.
We get a bit of insight into that here. We see a principle at work … a principle that applies to you too. Jesus blesses those who obediently follow him in faith!
Bartimaeus was made whole … spiritually free, physically sound, humanly dignified. The word translated “healed” can also be translated “saved.” Mark probably intended both meanings. One translation says it like this: “You faith has saved and healed you.” (The Message). That gets to the heart of what Jesus is saying.
Jesus always honor faith … he will honor yours too.
A beggar joins the pilgrim march towards Jerusalem!
A beggar becomes a disciple – living proof that Jesus is the Savior.
And there is reason to believe that when he “ followed Jesus along the road” it was more than for a day … it was for a lifetime … otherwise Mark would not have recorded his name.
Mark does not always give the names of the people Jesus ministers to. Go back and look. When he does give a person’s name it is for a reason … it means his faith community (local Church) knew them. There are two examples in the Gospel where Mark gives a person’s name … Bartimaeus and Simon the Cyrenian (who carried Jesus’ cross). Both should be understood as a sign that they were or became followers. there is other internal Biblical evidence to support this but suffice it to say that Bartimaeus’ journey was a long and successful one.
Yours can be too.
And as you follow others will take notice. Because … we influence friends and acquaintances through example. As we choose to follow Christ into a deeper walk others can take notice of the ongoing transformation and be drawn to him too.
WRAP-UP
WE INFLUENCE THROUGH EXAMPLE.
Would you say that with me?
WE INFLUENCE THROUGH EXAMPLE.
Would you like to see your family members and friends follow Jesus? If you will follow him in faithfulness and radical obedience it will give them a witness and, who knows, you might be the catalyst that God uses to bring them to faith.
YOUR NEED CAN SERVE AS A WAKE-UP CALL TO COME TO JESUS (V. 46, 47)
PEOPLE WILL DISCOURAGE YOU FROM APPROACHING JESUS (V. 48)
THINGS WILL HINDER YOU FROM APPROACHING JESUS (V. 50)
YOUR FAITH WILL ENERGIZE YOU IN APPROACHING JESUS (V. 48-51)
JESUS WILL BLESS YOU FOR YOUR OBEDIENCE (V. 52)
Maybe today you and the Savior have some unfinished business. I want to encourage you to:
• Put aside the voices of dismay
• Throw off your cloak of hindrance
• Trust God to be faithful
• And obediently follow so he can bless!
“Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.”
Don’t miss your opportunity!
