The following sermon was preached as part of a series from the Gospel according to Mark. We have been following Jesus through the story Mark gives us of Jesus’ life from the perspective of one of his disciples, the followers and learners of Jesus.
The most recent installment in this series, “Blind Discipleship” comes as the last healing Jesus performs in Mark’s Gospel. Also, it is a rather unique account since we know this person’s name, Bartimaeus and his public confession of Jesus of Nazareth as the “Son of David” comes before the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem that we celebrate each Palm Sunday.
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!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 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. 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.” And 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 10:46-52 ESV)
So why does all this matter? What does it tell us about who Jesus is and who we are? Who are you in the story? Let’s take a listen and imagine….
During the winter season (especially in NE Ohio) I think of hibernation and the anticipation of new life. The trees, grass and vegetation go dormant. The sun is constantly obscured by thick clouds (seriously how can it be this dark at 3:30 PM). Snow blankets the Ohio landscape as the cold and sterile wind of winter moves unimpeded across the land. But, there is a rhythm of life that is unique to the winter months… and it is fitting for the season we find ourselves in as a church plant.
