Disabled and Dignified.
Staycation • Sermon • Submitted
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· 3 viewsTheme: Jesus dignifies the disabled. Purpose: To serve the hurting and disabled with dignity. Gospel: Jesus restores sight. Mission: Serving in Christ's name is serving with dignity.
Notes
Transcript
Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging.
When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.”
Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
14-15 - Introduction: Show the video of the girl worshipping in Africa. I was so impressed by this community and how they not only allowed for access to this young girl, but empowered her to use her God given gifts. How can we as a Church in our Staycation do the same in our mission?
The first thing we need to do is to stop...
16 - Denying our Blindness.
16 - Denying our Blindness.
What this passage is about...
The Blindness of the Disciple’s and the crowd.
Bookmark healing of a Blindman the first is in Mark 8:22-26 - It took time for this man to see.
The first time anyone other than a disciple was allowed by Jesus to acknowledge him as the Messiah “Son of David.” - Possibly a reason for the crowds change of heart. - They hushed him, because Jesus was doing so throughout, but then got excited when Jesus received the title.
It only takes one leader to change the dynamic of a conversation or interaction. In this passage we see the crowd is unreceptive, not wanting to engage the blind man. It can be uncomfortable to be confronted by someone who is hurting or has an obvious need. Whether it is the homeless person on the corner with a sign asking for help or a person with a developmental disability acting out in public, the tendency is to avoid eye contact, ignore the situation, and get away from the person as soon as possible.
Things often seem different than what we see.
It can be intimidating to serve in areas of ministry you don’t have experience with. Most local communities have government or nonprofit organizations that focus on serving the addicted, homeless, veterans, or people with mental or physical disabilities. Reach out and ask how your congregation can get involved.
Jesus does something that is not all too surprising, but is to this Crowd.
17 - Jesus Dignifies the Disabled.
17 - Jesus Dignifies the Disabled.
Jesus calls Bartimaeus to himself, and he sends his followers to tell the man to come near. It is then that the atmosphere changes. Bartimaeus is no longer a nuisance; he is welcomed. His need is not too big or messy or difficult to be brought to Jesus.
A couple of facts that stand out in this story.
Bartimaeus is named. Mark would likely only do this if Bartimaeus was known by his audience. Many scholars believe this is the case, because he had become a well known staple and member of the early church.
This story is different than other healing stories in Mark. The pattern is Jesus heals, he says go, and don’t tell anyone about me. Here Jesus heals, he says go, and Bartimaeus follows the Jesus way.
Bartimaeus receives his sight and is empowered to follow Jesus and use his gifts in the Church.
The Disciples and the Crowd’s eyes are opened to what it means that Jesus is the Messiah. He came to serve, and Bartimaeus contributes to their sight being restored.
- 18 - Movie Clip of Radio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcfvpJvbYyU
19 - The Coach Engaged.
The Coach listened, and learned
The Coach Stood With.
The Coach Dignified and Empowered
Radio was a gift.
Different people I know healed through prayer. Ralph, Headache at CCC healing conference.
But.....
Jeff who was not healed of his blindness - Amazing Teacher of Scripture because he had it memorized.
Anne Ballard - Going Blind and Deaf - Became New Hope’s disability coordinator. I had the privilege of coaching her, and learning so much from her perspective.
We are challenged by Jesus to see beyond the outward appearance, to the person. As believers, we can respond in a way that acknowledges each person’s value and need for God. We can advocate for the most vulnerable in areas of society that would rather ignore them.
20 - Jesus Dignified Us, We Can Dignify Others.
20 - Jesus Dignified Us, We Can Dignify Others.
How do we go about dignifying people of differing abilities than us?
Sam and Nick - Two different responses to stimulation - Sam loved the art museum, Nick hated it. - It is about learning and growing.
1. Everyone has a desire to belong and be accepted. Feelings of isolation and loneliness are common for those with a disability. A caring friend can be a lifeline. In Luke 14, Jesus reminds us that when we include people who are poor or have a disability, we are the ones who receive the greatest blessing. People with special needs are valuable, and the church should be mindful to treat them as such. This post from Chris Hulshof outlines ways the church can welcome, minister to, and engage people and families affected by a disability (Chris Hulshof, “Three Ways the Church Can Better Serve Special Needs Families,” The Exchange with Ed Stetzer [blog], Christianity Today, November 4, 2015, https://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2015/november/three-ways-church-can-better-serve-special-needs-families.html).
https://churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-articles/266484-three-ways-the-church-can-better-serve-special-needs-families.html/2
1. Create a climate of inclusive hospitality.
2. Minister to every member of the family.
3. Engage in collaborative ministry as part of missional ministry.
Conclusion: When we are on mission, we will engage with people of different abilities than us. We can be like Jesus to them.