Don't Let Anything Keep You From Jesus

(This is adapted from Pastor Johnathan's message on Sunday)

Mark 10:46–52 (ESV)

“And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’” — Mark 10:48

Bartimaeus woke up that morning blind. He sat beside the road wearing the cloak that identified him as a beggar, dependent upon the generosity of people passing by. He had probably sat beside that road countless times before. But this day would be different.

Jesus was passing by.

Bartimaeus could not see Jesus, but when he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was near, he made a decision: I am not going to let this moment pass me by. He cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

The crowd immediately tried to quiet him. “Be silent.” “Stop shouting.” “Don’t bother Him.” But Bartimaeus had reached a point where his desperation for Jesus was greater than his concern about what other people thought about him. So he cried out all the more.

There are moments in our walk with God when faith has to become determined. Not demanding. Not entitled. But determined.

I am going to pursue Jesus regardless of my circumstances.

I am going to seek Him even when I am discouraged.

I am going to pray even when the answer has not come.

I am going to worship even when life hurts.

I am not going to allow the voices around me to silence the faith within me.

And then comes one of the most beautiful statements in the story:

“And Jesus stopped.” (v. 49)

Think about that. Jesus was surrounded by a crowd. He was traveling toward Jerusalem and ultimately toward the cross. Yet one desperate voice crying out in faith caused Jesus to stop. Your prayers are not lost in the crowd. Your cries do not disappear into the ceiling. Jesus hears you.

Bartimaeus was called to Jesus, and Mark tells us something fascinating: “And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.” (v. 50) That cloak represented his old existence. It was the garment he spread out to receive coins. It was connected to the life he had known as a beggar. But when Jesus called, Bartimaeus threw it aside.

There is a powerful picture here for us. Sometimes following Jesus means releasing what belongs to the life we are asking Him to change: Old habits. Old identities. Old excuses. Old wounds we have allowed to define us. Old patterns of thinking. Old ways of living.

You cannot lay hold of what Jesus has for you while desperately clutching the cloak of what you used to be.

Jesus then asked Bartimaeus a surprisingly direct question: “What do you want me to do for you?”

Bartimaeus knew his answer. “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”

Jesus responded, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” Immediately, Bartimaeus could see. But notice what happens next. Mark says Bartimaeus “followed him on the way.” That may be the most important part of the entire story. Bartimaeus didn't simply receive something from Jesus. He began following Jesus.

The miracle wasn't the finish line. It became the beginning of a new life.

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Tim

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Living the Word

Take some time this week to identify the voices, circumstances, fears, disappointments, or habits that have been discouraging you from pursuing Jesus wholeheartedly.

Then make your own determination: “I will pursue Jesus regardless of circumstances, disappointments or opposition.”

This Week: Reflect and/or Journal:

If Jesus asked me today, “What do you want Me to do for you?” how would I answer Him?

Am I primarily seeking what Jesus can do for me, or am I becoming someone who follows Jesus "on my way"?