Rev Michael Anokye: LENT – 15 MARCH 2024
“JESUS, SON OF DAVID, HAVE MERCY ON ME!”
Prayer:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:12-14) HERE
Father, I pray for healing, miracles, signs, and wonders in my life and for my family. Lord Jesus, I ask that miracles, signs, and wonders will follow me in your name. I pray you will equip me for great and mighty works in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reading: Mark 10:46-52 Reading HERE
Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho when they met a blind man named Bartimaeus begging by the roadside. Upon hearing that Jesus was passing by, Bartimaeus shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and asked him what he wanted. Bartimaeus replied, “I want to see.” Jesus said, “Go, your faith has healed you.” Immediately, Bartimaeus regained his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Reflection:
Blind Bartimaeus is portrayed as lacking diplomacy but having persistence and determination. People attempted to silence him but could not because he desperately wanted to be touched by Jesus. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt that no one could help you except Jesus? Bartimaeus was at a point where all hope was lost without Jesus. We can learn something from Bartimaeus: Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet. However, he shouted even louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:48). Often, we allow comments, thoughts, and concerns about us to bother us so much that we lose focus on Jesus and concentrate solely on our problems.
Bartimaeus’s prayer’s nature is an excellent example for us. Sometimes, we need a loud voice and God’s revelation to cry for the mercy of the Lord in prayer. We must also be aware that as we cry out for the mercies of God, we should not be discouraged when we pray and do not receive our healing or the results of our prayer. We must not give up. We must: “Pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Bartimaeus was not discouraged when no one led him to Jesus. Instead, “Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet” (Mark 10:48). He shouted until Jesus heard his voice.
When Jesus heard Bartimaeus calling out to Him, He stopped and said, Call him.” The people telling Bartimaeus to be quiet suddenly changed their tune, urging him to cheer up because Jesus was calling him. Bartimaeus threw off his cloak, which identified him as a registered blind man, allowed him to beg for money, and jumped to his feet to go to Jesus. By persisting in prayer and having faith in Jesus, Bartimaeus experienced healing and transformation. As we observe the Lenten season, we too can experience healings, breakthroughs, miracles, signs, and wonders if we have faith in Jesus and persist in prayer. Amen.
Let us pray:
Jesus is the same today, yesterday, and forever! Mark 16:17-18 “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
Dear Jesus, thank you for the miracles, signs, and wonders you have shown us and the Body of Christ. We thank you for your wondrous works depicted in our saviour, Jesus Christ, and all who believe and follow Him. Amen.
Discussion Pointers:
What are your common thoughts about an authoritative figure?
Why do you believe the people in the Bible were astounded by what Jesus did?
What fresh aspects of Christ do you discern in this passage?
How might understanding God’s authority over everything in our lives help us deal with complex and challenging situations?