Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, 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 see.”52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
The pastor suggested that there were 5 reasons this miracle happened.
1. Persistence. Bartimaeus wasn't going to let ANYONE or anything keep him from catching Jesus' attention. He called out over and over, even when others rebuked him and tried to quiet him. He was persistent.
2. IMMEDIATELY following Jesus' call. When Jesus called for Bartimaeus, he threw his cloak aside and jumped to his feet. He didn't say, "okay Jesus, hold on, let me get my coat and take my time getting up and walking to you". He didn't wait for the crowd to disperse, he left all his personal belongs behind and immediately went to Jesus!
3.Conciseness. Bartimaeus knew exactly what he was requesting from Jesus. He didn't beat around the bush, he wasn't vague in his request. It was specific, "Rabbi, I want to see".
4. Knowing and acknowledging who Jesus was. Bartimaeus knew exactly who Jesus was; "Son of David". Even though he could not see Jesus, he had heard, and had faith through knowledge that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah.
5. Gratitude. Bartimaeus was grateful for the sight that Jesus gave him. He didn't take his blessing and then head back to his hometown. He "followed Jesus along the road." He praised Jesus and thought enough of Him to follow Him, listening to His teachings.
How persistent are we in our seeking of Jesus?
Do we let other things or people slow us or quiet us?
Do we stop at NOTHING to get to Jesus?
When was the last time you IMMEDIATELY jumped when Jesus called you?
Have you ever dropped everything to do what Jesus asks?
Or do you ask Him to wait...
wait until you get a better job, wait until your kids are grown?
When you talk to Jesus do you have a specific request?
Or do you speak generally to Jesus, as if he were an acquaintance?
Are you open and honest enough with Him to tell him the nitty gritty?
The specifics of your life...
Without the specifics can we really see any miracles worked?
Do we recognize the miracles when we haven't asked specifically?
Do we really know and acknowledge who Jesus is?
Do we truly believe without seeing?
Are we grateful?
Grateful enough to continue to pursue Him and listen to His teachings?
I know I've got some work to do. I want to be more like Bartimaeus.
Do we let other things or people slow us or quiet us?
Do we stop at NOTHING to get to Jesus?
When was the last time you IMMEDIATELY jumped when Jesus called you?
Have you ever dropped everything to do what Jesus asks?
Or do you ask Him to wait...
wait until you get a better job, wait until your kids are grown?
When you talk to Jesus do you have a specific request?
Or do you speak generally to Jesus, as if he were an acquaintance?
Are you open and honest enough with Him to tell him the nitty gritty?
The specifics of your life...
Without the specifics can we really see any miracles worked?
Do we recognize the miracles when we haven't asked specifically?
Do we really know and acknowledge who Jesus is?
Do we truly believe without seeing?
Are we grateful?
Grateful enough to continue to pursue Him and listen to His teachings?
I know I've got some work to do. I want to be more like Bartimaeus.
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