Sermons

Latest Sermon

Have Mercy on Me!

This week's text focuses on a healing Jesus performed for a blind man named Bartimaeus outside of Jericho. This miracle is performed during Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem where he would soon suffer, die, and be raised. In comparison with offering himself as a sacrifice for the sins of His people, this blind man's ailment seems a minuscule thing. Yet, Jesus hears the cries for mercy from blind Bartimaeus, calls him, and asks how he can help him. In this scene, we see our Savior who cares for this man even while bearing the weight of the world on His shoulders. We also see in Bartimaeus an example of what following Jesus looks like. He pleads for mercy, he trusts in Christ's ability to heal him, and after receiving mercy from Christ, he begins to walk with Jesus—not just on a short trek to Jerusalem, but as a disciple, committed to trusting in Him. In this healing there is deep irony that a blind man really sees who Christ is, while the crowds see, but are blind. They tried to silence Bartimaeus' pleas because they missed the nature of Christ's reign, work, and coming Kingdom.