FAITH LESSONS FOR YOUR CHALLENGES

The Gospel of Mark #36 

Pastor Dennis Clanton

Woodland Church

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Jesus responded to faith filled prayers by meeting personal needs.

(Mark 10:46–52, NLT) “Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.” 

(Isaiah 29:18, NLT) “In that day the deaf will hear words read from a book, and the blind will see through the gloom and darkness.” 

Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.

(1 Peter 1:8, NLT) “You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.” 

1. Seize the moment when you sense the presence of Christ.

(Mark 10:47, NLT) “When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 

(2 Corinthians 6:2, NLT) “Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.” 

2. Pray with persistent, passionate, and bold faith.

(Mark 10:48, NLT) “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 

• My faith is in Jesus the Messiah.  

(Isaiah 35:5, NLT) “And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf.”

• My faith is in God’s goodness and mercy. 

(Revelation 3:17, NLT) “You are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.” 

(Psalm 23:6, NKJV) “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” 

• My faith is personal. 

(Mark 10:49, NLT) When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” 

• My faith must be bigger than the negativity of those around me. 

(Mark 10:48, NLT) “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 

• My faith is focused and specific. 

(Mark 10:51, NLT) “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” 

• My faith must be obedient. 

(Mark 10:52, NLT) Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.” 

• My faith should result in glory to God.

3. Jesus is merciful to all who call upon in prayer. 

(John 5:24, NLT) “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” 

(Romans 10:13, NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”