A city of refuge
Isaías Rivera
(Audio: Spanish)
SUMMARY: The sermon is based on the biblical account of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who was not given a name and lived in the first century Jewish culture. The speaker highlights the challenges faced by people with disabilities in society and in the church, and how they are often discriminated against or ignored. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a welcoming and compassionate attitude towards people with disabilities, and how we should strive to notice and help those in need. The speaker also shares a personal story of a couple with a child with autism who faced discrimination in the church but persevered and found hope in God's love. The sermon ends with a call to action for the congregation to be like Jesus of Nazareth and offer hope and salvation to those on the side of the road.
The story of Bartimaeus teaches us to see and hear those in need around us. We often pray for opportunities to share the Gospel, but fail to notice those who are waiting on the side of the road for someone to offer them the good news of salvation. We need to be willing to open our mouths and communicate the Gospel, but also take the time to ask those in need what they actually need. Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he needed, and we should do the same for those around us. We need to open our eyes and ears to the Bartimaeans of this life, and welcome them into our churches with open arms and dignity, no matter their background or disability.
The speaker urges the audience to open their eyes and see the people around them who need help and love, especially those with disabilities, rejected by society, or released from jail. They encourage the audience to volunteer an hour and a half a month to help children with disabilities so that their parents can attend church. They reject discrimination and prejudice and urge the audience to live like Jesus.
The story of Bartimaeus teaches us to see and hear those in need around us. We often pray for opportunities to share the Gospel, but fail to notice those who are waiting on the side of the road for someone to offer them the good news of salvation. We need to be willing to open our mouths and communicate the Gospel, but also take the time to ask those in need what they actually need. Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he needed, and we should do the same for those around us. We need to open our eyes and ears to the Bartimaeans of this life, and welcome them into our churches with open arms and dignity, no matter their background or disability.
The speaker urges the audience to open their eyes and see the people around them who need help and love, especially those with disabilities, rejected by society, or released from jail. They encourage the audience to volunteer an hour and a half a month to help children with disabilities so that their parents can attend church. They reject discrimination and prejudice and urge the audience to live like Jesus.
I will be reading from the book of Mark, chapter 10, verses 46 to 52 and I will read from the International version.
“After they arrived at Jericho, later Jesus left the city accompanied by his disciples and a large crowd. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road. Hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth who was coming, he began to shout, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.” Many scolded him to keep quiet, but he began to yell even more. "Son of David, have mercy on me." Jesus stopped and said, “Call him,” so they called to the blind man, “Cheer up, get up, he calls you.” Throwing off his cloak, he jumped up and approached Jesus. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. “Rabbi, I want to see,” replied the blind man. “You can go,” Jesus told her, “your faith has made you well.” Immediately he received his sight and began to follow Jesus on the road.”
“After they arrived at Jericho, later Jesus left the city accompanied by his disciples and a large crowd. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road. Hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth who was coming, he began to shout, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.” Many scolded him to keep quiet, but he began to yell even more. "Son of David, have mercy on me." Jesus stopped and said, “Call him,” so they called to the blind man, “Cheer up, get up, he calls you.” Throwing off his cloak, he jumped up and approached Jesus. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. “Rabbi, I want to see,” replied the blind man. “You can go,” Jesus told her, “your faith has made you well.” Immediately he received his sight and began to follow Jesus on the road.”
