"And many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!'
"And Jesus stopped and said, 'Call him here.' And they called the blind man, saying to him, 'Take courage, arise! He is calling for you.'
"And casting aside his cloak, he jumped up, and came to Jesus. And answering him, Jesus said, 'What do you want Me to do for you?' And the blind man said to Him, 'Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!'
"And Jesus said to him,'Go your way; your faith has made you well.' And immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.'" Mark 10:46-52
Today I am going to share the notes I took last night at our revival service with Paul and Vanessa Cherry (http://CherryMinistries.com). The preaching was powerful and last night's message was too good to keep it to myself.
Here are the notes (my thoughts will be in parentheses):
1. HE SOUGHT WHEN HE HEARD
*He knew it was Jesus.
*He knew Jesus had healed the blind so why not him, maybe he too would be healed.
*When he heard Jesus was coming, he was going to do something. He figured the best cause of action for him was to all out to Jesus was to get His attention (I'm going to do the best I can from this spot I am in. Do I do everything I can to get Jesus' attention?)
2. HE IGNORED THE REBUKES OF OTHERS
*What did he do when others rebuked him and told him to be quiet? He yelled louder. He wasn't going to let others keep him quiet. As long as I listen to the negative voies in and around me I won't get where God wants me to be. Who am I going to listen to?
*If Bartimaeus would have listened to those people he would have died blind. He kept trying and he kept calling.
3. HE WENT WHEN HE WAS CALLED
*Jesus heard Bartimaeus crying out with a real need. Jesus knows the difference between faith and curiosity.
*Bartimaeus responded immediately when Jesus called.
*Bartimaeus knew his life was about to hange.
*He threw off the cultural sign of blindness before he could see! (Paul explained that in those days blind people had special cloaks they would set out before them for the money people would give them. For Bartimaeus to throw that away meant he was throwing aside, putting aside everything that identified him with society and how he made his living. Am I putting something between me and Jesus?)
4. HE RECEIVED WHEN JESUS OFFERED.
*Jesus doesnt' work by invasion. With Bartimaeus Jesus healed him with a word, just a word. He asked Jesus for the gift he couldn't get anywhere else.
Ask Jesus or die blind!
5. HE FOLLOWED JESUS WHEN HE WAS CHANGED
(What am I waiting for? Throw that _________________ aside and go to Jesus.)
Paul's preaching was incredible. I recommend him and Vanessa if you are seeking a visiting ministry to minister to your church and community. After this sermon last night I prayed. I don't know what is holding me back. I don't what , but I want to be changed.