Large Text (The Book of Mark)
It is not documented in the Gospel but John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas and the Son of Mary, is given authorship of this book. So that we are clear, this is the same Mary in Acts 12, the one who turned her house into a house of prayer when Peter was locked up in jail. Mark wrote this Gospel to encourage total devotion and commitment to Christ in spite of difficulties, suffering and loss.
Short Text
I want to step into this Word with a powerful suggestion. The suggestion is this: Beyond God we cannot go; short of God we cannot rest. So then, if you have an unhealthy image of self and are experiencing a joyless life, maybe you need to revisit the cross. It was at the cross where you met Christ and received your sight. So then, if you do not have a positive view of self it may mean that your sight has been interrupted.
You do not have to be paralyzed by conditions, people or life’s situations. You can do something with guaranteed results.
Text: Mark 10:46-52 (NIV)
46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging.
47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
49 Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you."
50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
51 "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
52 "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.