Walk by Faith not by sight.

“Peace be with you.”

“Let’s Pray. Father may your will be done. Jesus may your word be proclaimed. Spirit may your work be accomplished in us we pray. Amen”

I. Ingredients

A. Jesus in Action: Through Jericho to Jerusalem.

1. Jesus is heading to Jerusalem. (Mark 10:32)

2. Going through Jericho with an entourage of Disciples and a large crowd. (Mark 10:46)

3. Jericho- the City of Palms & Moon.

B. Name Calling.

1. Jesus of Nazareth - v. 47

2. Son of David (Christ) - v. 47,48

3. Master (Rabboni)- v. 51

Blind Beggar named Bartimaeus (Son of Timaeus)

C. Faith in Action.

1. Sitting down- v. 46

2. began crying out- v. 47

3. kept crying out- v. 48

4. throwing aside- v. 50

5. Jumped up- v. 50

6. Came to Jesus- v. 50

7. Followed Him- v. 52

D. Jesus in Action: The blind see.

1. Jesus stop the caravan- v. 49

2. Jesus gives sight to the blind- v. 52

II. The Meal.

A. Jesus the conquering King.

Jesus leading his disciples and a large crowd through Jericho toward Jerusalem has several ideas at play.

The Angel of the Lord fights for the people.

Like Joshua is leading the people to take possession of the promise land.

Weeping last for the night, joy will come in the morning (Psalm 30:5)

B. Jesus the object of our faith.

Jesus is heavily identified in this brief passage as if the Holy Spirit wants us to clearly see the Jesus we are talking about. These two episodes of blind men that we encounter represent the disciples/crowds understanding about who Jesus is. The first blind man began to see but not clearly and required more work from Jesus before he could fully see. But here the blind beggar immediately sees. As Jesus’ identity is clearly proclaimed, so too is the sight immediately gained. Who we believe Jesus correlates to how immediate we receive salvation. It is not until we believe that Jesus is the only Christ and who is Lord over our lives are we able to be saved. It is not enough to Believe Jesus existed (Jesus the Nazarene), It is better to believe in Jesus as the Christ (Son of David), but it is best to make him our Master (Lord).

C. Jesus our living Hope.

Hebrews 11:1 NASB95

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

The blind man is a great example of the kind of faith that leads to salvation. Like Beau who waves his hands when he is excited so too, does genuine faith take action in what it hopes in. There is no question that the Blind Beggar hopes in Jesus. Though He can’t see him he is convicted that He is the Christ (Son of David). Every action he takes indicates how much he hopes in Jesus to save him.

Upon receiving his sight, Jesus gives him permission to Go (go and enjoy a new life with seeing). But the Bartimaeus doesn’t “go” he follows Jesus on the road.

Genuine faith in Jesus never uses the life Jesus gives them to do whatever they please. Genuine faith continues to follow after the Object of their faith who is Jesus.

So many seeds are planted along the road, but never take root. But the seeds that Jesus sows take root and that person grows in their faith by following Jesus.

If Jesus is your living Hope than your daily actions will demonstrate how Jesus is Master and Lord of your life. Each day will speak of the assurance you have in Jesus to be Lord of your life. Everyone hopes in something which drives their actions. We can only call Jesus a “living hope” when we are living like Him each and every day.

III. Take Home.

A. How active is your faith?

B. Where are you blind? What do you need to do?

C. Do your actions towards others encourage them to come to Jesus or do they keep others from coming to Jesus?

D. Are you following Jesus into battle against your sin and flesh? Has Jesus conquered areas in your life that are occupied by sin and satan?