April 17 Sermon: Going to See the King (Mark 10:46-52)

Pastor: Ryan Laughlin

Series: Palm Sunday

The last person to join the procession into Jerusalem is the last person you would expect. After all, this was Jesus' moment. He was going public. The stakes were high. Only the important and significant need apply. But Jesus brings it all to a grinding halt when he hears the desperate cries of a blind man. Out of sight but not out of mind. Because this event precedes Jesus Triumphal Entry in all three Synoptic gospels, we ought to pay close attention to the larger lessons Jesus is teaching. He is not just opening this man's eyes. He is opening our hearts to what this march to Jerusalem is all about.

In the sermon, Ryan referenced or consulted the following:

• 60 Minutes segment re: Albert Pujols:http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7362328n
• Quote from Charles Spurgeon: “We never should have known Christ’s love in all its heights and depths if he had not died; nor could we guess the Father’s deep affection if he had not given his Son to die. The common mercies we enjoy all sing of love, just as the sea-shell, when we put it to our ears, whispers of the deep sea whence it came; but if we desire to hear the ocean itself, we must not look at every-day blessings, but at the transactions of the crucifixion. He who would know love, let him retire to Calvary and see the Man of sorrows die.”

Some questions:

1. Why are we blind to the worth of every human being? What are the various ways we assign worth to some and not to others? What effect does technology have on our capacity to value people? How does it help or hurt?
2. If you valued people as much as Jesus does, how would your life change?
3. If Jesus were to ask you, as He asked Bartimaeus, "What do you want me to do for you?" how would you respond?
4. Why are we often unmoved by the drama of our rescue? What experiences in your life has God used to give you new eyes to witness the glory of your rescue? What steps will you take this Holy week to reflect deeply on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice for you?