Sunday Sermon Summary – Oct 27 2024

Overcoming Discouragement
Let me see again  – anablepo
Mark 10: 46-52

This is the story of Bartimaeus who became blind. He was begging at the gates of Jericho. He heard that Jesus was leaving Jericho and cried out for mercy. 

1.  Oppression
Mark 10: 46

When Bartimaeus lost his sight, he had to beg.  It can happen to anybody. Suddenly we will find ourselves pushed down to the ground. Unexpected situations can cause discouragement, and we can be oppressed.  It happens to everyone.  Even Elijah the man who was destined to never die, prayed that God would take his life.  Oppressive situations will cause discouragement.  We may feel that we have no other option, but God does not want us to succumb to our situation and be discouraged.  God wants us to rise up and shine.  

2. Opportunity
Mark 10: 47

The above scripture verse says that Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was leaving Jericho, and he cried out to Jesus for mercy.  He heard that Jesus was passing that way.  Though he couldn’t see; he used what he had, hearing.  When our situations push us down.  When we go through losses.  We must discover what we are left with.  Bartimaeus couldn’t see but he could hear.  He used his hearing to turn his situation around.  He addressed Jesus as the Son of David.  He had a strong determination that by any means he will make use of the opportunity given to him. 

3. Opposition
Mark 10: 48

When Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus for help, the people around began to shout at him asking him to keep quiet.  This was the biggest opposition he faced. But the Bible says that when the people tried to silence him, Bartimaeus shouted louder calling out for mercy.  When opposition increases our faith must increase, our determination must increase.  Oppositions must make us stronger; not push us to discouragement.  Our Lord allows tough times in our lives to strengthen us; not to discourage us.  

Bartimaeus is the first person to address Jesus as Rabboni which is the highest title for a human being.  Bartimaeus regained his sight and immediately followed close to Jesus. 

Our Lord calls his people to rise up from every kind of discouragement and closely follow him.  Amen!