Ep. 213 - Lent Series: From the Eyes of Those Who Were There - Batimaeus

Focus:This sermon focuses in on the side character of Jesus' ministry: Bartimeaus. Bartimeaus was a blind man who knew that Jesus could help him. He must have heard about Jesus and the powerful things he had done. He must also have heard Jesus' bold words that he came to heal, to save, and most importantly, be the Messiah all people need him to be. Bartimeaus confidently cries out, "Jesus, help me!" And his faith is rewarded with sight and then a path forward as he follows Jesus to death and life everlasting.Reading: Luke 4:14–21Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. Hewent to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”Reading: Mark 10:46–52Then 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. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesusstopped and said, “Call him. So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. “Whatdo you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.