Learning the Jesus Way of Life Pt. 6

Humble Prayer vs. Arrogant Self-Reliance

Life is a Journey- I was driving to work one morning this week, and listening to some 90’s music. I was just a small kid in the 90’s but I still remember it well. Thinking about what life was like back then I can’t help but get a little emotional.

Every one of us experiences our life as a Journey. Highs and Lows, Good times and Bad times. Jesus journey on earth is nearing its end. in Mark 10 we find Jesus on the road to Jerusalem along with many others who are making the pilgrimage for the passover. Millions of people would make the pilgrimage every year for passover.

The New International Version Chapter 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 (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.

When we cry out to God, he will always answer.

It may not be how we want the answer, it may not be in the timing we would prefer, but he will always answer.

God wants to transform us Spiritually and Physically.

Sometimes God heals, and other times he doesn’t. What we can gather from this story is that he cares about transforming us completely not just physically.

The purpose of God’s transformation is discipleship.

Bartimaeus is healed by Jesus, and his response is “following Jesus.”

Prayer isn’t about what we get out of it, but who we are connecting with.

Bartimaeus’ motive for healing was to see Jesus better.

Bartimaeus understood life wasn’t about him, it was about following the master.

What is the destination of the Journey you’re on? Is the destination attention and admiration of your peers? Is it academic excellence? Finding a significant other? If the course of your life is charted for one of these destinations, you are journeying toward destruction. Jesus didn’t just die to be your Savior, he died to be your Lord.

The Good news is that no matter how many different courses you’ve charted, no matter how many times you’ve turned your back on God, he answers us when we cry out to him.