Never Too Busy for Compassion (Mark 10:46-52)

January 10, 2010

I.     Bound for Jerusalem, vv. 46-48.
A.     Jesus was very focused on traveling to Jerusalem.
     1.     He was determined to fulfill His purpose, vv. 33-34.
     2.     The journey took Him through Jericho.
          a.     Old Testament Jericho.
               1)     15-20 km northeast of Jerusalem near Jordan River.
               2)     Destroyed by Joshua (Joshua 6).
          b.     New Testament Jericho.
               1)     1 or 2 km south of old Jericho.
               2)     Popular resort with springs.
               3)     Home of Zacchaeus.
B.     Bartimaeus.
     1.     Blind beggar.
     2.     Were there two blind men?
          a.     Matthew records two men; Mark/Luke record one.
          b.     Jesus singled out Bartimaeus.
               1)     More faith?
               2)     More vocal?
3.     Bartimaeus knew who Jesus was.
          a.     Having heard the stories was he waiting for Jesus?
          b.     Called Jesus the Son of David (Messiah).
C.     The crowd only considered Bartimaeus as a distraction.

II.     Compassion for a blind man, vv. 49-52.
     A.     Jesus did not let the crowds sway His actions.
          1.     He called for Bartimaeus to come to Him.
          2.     Why did He ask Bartimaeus what he wanted?
               a.     Jesus already knew.
               b.     He wanted Bartimaeus to act on his faith.
     B.     Bartimaeus showed a deep/simple faith.
          1.     He called Jesus Rabbouni.
               a.     Jewish term for respected teacher: My dear master.
               b.     Expressed Bartimaeus' personal trust of Jesus.
          2.     He immediately obeyed, v. 50.
          3.     Jesus honored his faith with instant healing.

III.     Things to learn.
     A.     Looking at Jesus.
1.     God expects us to focus on our duties/responsibilities.
          2.     We should not focus on work at the expense of people.
     B.     Looking at Bartimaeus.
          1.     Don't let anything stop you from listening to God.
          2.     Trust God with a deep and simple faith.
          3.     Expect God to work.

Personal Challenges
1.     Read the story again and take time to think about things you can learn.
2.     Show compassion: Do something for someone this week that you would not normally do.
3.     Do you know God in a personal relationship?