Have Mercy on Me
Pastor Jeff shares the story of blind Bartimaeus. Despite being labeled and overlooked by society due to his blindness and poverty, Bartimaeus sought out Jesus, calling for His mercy. When he cried out, Jesus stopped and answered Bartimaeus’s desperate plea, healing him and restoring his sight. The sermon emphasizes God’s endless mercy and encourages you to seek Him, reject the negative labels placed on you, and have faith that He can make a way in your life.
Sermon Highlights & Key Points
Mercy Defined
God’s mercy means compassion and kindness toward those in need.
Bartimaeus’s Desperation
Despite being labeled a beggar, he refused to let others silence him.
Rejecting Labels
Don’t let society define you by your past or struggles.
Faith in Action
Bartimaeus’s cry for help showed his faith that Jesus could help him.
God’s Attention
When we call out sincerely, God is quick to respond.
Transformation
God can take us from hopeless situations to wholeness.
Key Scripture
Mark 10:46-52 – Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus for help and gets healed after showing great faith.
Deuteronomy 4:31 – God is loving and won’t abandon His people no matter what happens.
Psalms 103:8 – God is kind and patient and shows us mercy instead of anger.
Jeremiah 3:12 – God promises to be merciful and will forgive us when we return to Him.
Psalms 106:1 – We should praise God because He is good and His mercy lasts forever.
Discussion Questions
How does Bartimaeus’s story inspire you to approach God in your own life?
Have you ever felt labeled or judged by others? How did that affect you?
What does it mean for you to call out to God for mercy? Share a time when you felt you needed it.
Why do you think Bartimaeus refused to be quiet when others told him to stop calling out to Jesus?
How can we apply the idea of rejecting negative labels in our daily lives?
Describe a situation where you felt God’s mercy or kindness in your life.
Closing Thoughts, Challenge, and Prayer Prompt
Remember that God’s mercy is always available to us. Like Bartimaeus, we can cry out for help regardless of what others think. God wants to hear from you, and He cares about your circumstances.
Challenge: This week, take a moment to reflect on any labels you feel you carry. Write them down, pray about them, and then symbolically remove them by tearing up the paper, rejecting those labels, and embracing your identity in Christ.
Lord, thank You for Your mercy and kindness. Help me to cry out to You like Bartimaeus did. Guide me in rejecting negative labels and encourage me to have faith in Your plans for my life. Amen.