Bartimaeus- A Life Changing Experience

A Life Changing Experience

Mark 10:46–52 ESV

46 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. 47 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!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 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.” 52 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.

Introduction:

DT: Christ will change our lives when we seek to follow Him

AIM: We will become true followers of Christ.

PNP: Bartimaeus introduces a few ways Christ can change our lives when we seek and follow Christ

Christ Can Change Our Reputation (v. 46)

Mark 10:46 ESV

46 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.

In ancient days the name of a person was often associated to their character. You see this throughout the bible. (ie. Jabez=pain, Jacob=supplanter, Jesus=Yaweh is our Salvation)

This man could not see the people but he could hear their reactions. They were not trying to help him they were trying to hush him.

Application: There is nothing in your past or your background that God cannot deliver you from. Whatever people think of you now, Jesus can change for the better when you follow Him. (drug addicts, prostitutes, whoremongers, thieves whatever

Christ Can Change Our Condition (vv. 47-51)

Mark 10:47–51 ESV

47 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!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 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.”

Bartimaeus was blind and being blind limited him in many areas in his life. But he knew if Jesus could change his condition his life would change.

He persistently called on Jesus

He ignored the crowds rebuke

He requested the help of Christ

Illustration: When I was growing up there was an elderly lady named Miss. Mattie Pearl, she would always sing a song, “Jesus is on the main line”.

Have you called on Jesus. Have you asked Jesus to deliver you?

Application: One condition we each have in common is the condition of sin. Jesus can change that condition when you give Him your life. You do not have to live in sin, you can live in Christ.

You need to experience life with Jesus . . .

Christ Can Change Our Circumstance