The Last Time Jesus Passes By

The Last Time Jesus Passes By

Mark 10:46-52

History records countless stories of missed opportunities. Many of us look back on certain moments and decisions and ask "what might have been". John Greenleaf Whittier "Of all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these: it might have been."

Though we may have regrets, there are other opportunities that we have made the most of. Some of the choices we have made were the right ones and we benefited greatly as a result.

In our selected text we read of a man who made the best of a certain opportunity. His name was Bartemaus. He was a blind beggar who needed a miracle. On one fateful day Jesus passed his way and He changed his life forever. But Bartemaus did not know how close he came to missing his miracle. Had he procrastinated he would have never had another opportunity to be touched by the Master. He would have spent the rest of his days regretting his missed opportunity. In fact, his neglect would have had eternal consequences. You see, Jesus would never pass through Jericho again.

My friends, Jesus is passing by today. You have a great opportunity but today may be your last chance. I invite you to look with me to Mark 10:46-52 as we preach on the thought "The Last Time Jesus Passes By".

Bartemaus' story shows us what happens before Jesus passes by, when He passes by and after He passes by. Notice in verse 46:

I. THERE IS DEVASTATION BEFORE JESUS PASSES BY - v46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.

- Bartemaus was a man who faced great difficulties throughout his life. He dealt with:

A. Physical Problems - "blind Bartemaus"

It is very possible that he was born blind. Blindness was a very common condition in his day. There were many diseases that resulted in blindness. The sanitary conditions contributed to this condition as well.

- Bartemaus also endured:

B. Financial Problems - "sat by the highway side begging"

His financial problems were a direct result of his physical issues. He was unable to work a job to provide for himself. There was no Institute for The Blind to teach him a trade. There was no social security. He did not draw a disability check. There was no welfare or government programs to sustain him. He was a man who had no idea where his next meal was coming from. If he ate it was because someone was compassionate enough to give him a little money or bring him some food.

There are many people today (some in this building) who deal with similar problems. You have health issues that cause you great pain, you hurt constantly, maybe you are limited physically. It is quite possible that your physical infirmities have hindered your ability to make a living.

There are others who are perfectly healthy, but you know what it is like to do without. For one reason or another you find yourself facing hard times financially. Without a doubt these are serious problems.

Then there are some of you who do not have either of these problems, you are physically fit and financially stable, you may think that all is well... but the fact of the matter is that you have a far greater problem. I am referring to:

C. Spiritual Problems

Bartimaeus was physically blind... you are spiritually blind. You are blind to you sinful condition. You are blind to the reality that you will stand before God in judgment. You are blind to the fact that you are headed for hell.

Bartemaus was finically broke... you are spiritually bankrupt. There is nothing that you can do to earn salvation. You cannot live good enough. You cannot perform enough good works. There is nothing within you that can help your spiritual condition. In fact, you are worse than sick... the bible says that you are dead in your trespasses and sins. You need a cure...you need a miracle. You don't need to be healed...you need to be born again! I have good news, there is someone passing by today who can give you what you need. His name is Jesus! But I must warn you, this could be the last time that He passes by.

If you realize that Jesus is the only answer for your problem I also must warn you that the Devil will do all that he can to stop you from getting to the Savior. Notice with me in verses 47-48:

II. THERE ARE DISTRACTIONS AS JESUS PASSES BY v47-48

Bartimaeus was so close to receiving the miracle that he had longed for his entire life. He hears that Jesus was passing by and he calls out to Him.