It’s a consequence, when Jesus leaves people in their ignorance. In fact, it’s one of the most serious consequences that you and I could face.
Jesus is offended by superficial religious activity that doesn’t produce reverent fruit toward God.
Jesus comes humbly, as a suffering servant. He uniquely comes as a righteous representative for humanity, bringing salvation to a ruined people.
But here’s what Bartimaeus was good at. He knew how to beg for mercy. And he knew who to beg from.
Our king came down to serve his peasants. The master of heaven came to give us the most precious thing he had. He came to give us himself – to give up his dying breath, so that we could be filled with His Spirit of life.
With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.
We don't want to have missed expectations about Jesus' coming. He is coming. He is refining his church, and he will judge the world one day.
He urges you to become a little, humble child, to rest in his arms, and to receive his blessing.
Following Jesus means we need to follow His Word – not our opinions or our emotions.
Those who have followed the devil’s pattern are in grave danger of sharing in the devil’s punishment.
Jesus carefully defines that the greatest thing that a human can be is a humble servant.
For you and I, there’s no disaster too small, it could still have the power to throw us into doubt and despair. But for Jesus, there’s no disaster too big, that it would undermine the secure hold he has on his people.
Jesus is not just a teacher. He is not just a moral example. Jesus is the God of glory, come down in humble human flesh, to save you.
Self-denial and suffering aren’t the ultimate goal. Following Jesus is the goal.
And we know that Jesus’s mission was triumphant and successful. Because on the third day, Jesus gave us evidence – observable evidence – of his great victory. He rose from the grave – once and forever, never to die again.
At the cross, Jesus was prevented from seeing the Father’s mercy, so that we’d be given the sight to gaze on the Lord’s steadfast love and faithfulness forever.
Even though there’s one Savior, and one Spirit, there isn’t just one predictable method that Jesus uses when he applies his healing power.
Even the dogs find crumbs under the table. Can’t I have some, too?
Living by false standards of cleanness won’t make us clean.
No matter how hard we row the boat – no matter how much we might try to cure our own diseases – we can’t make ourselves well.