When Jesus Stopped (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 1)

Introduction:

Read Mark 10:46-52.

There are four gospels.  Let's name them in order: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  The first three are known as the  “synoptic gospels.” By “synoptic” we mean that there is a good amount of overlapping or supplementary material. (John is not a synoptic because the language, purpose, style and themes are different.)  All three synoptic gospels mention that Jesus stopped. That fact is the basis for the title of yesterday's message: “When Jesus Stopped”.

In the New American Standard Bible, verse 49 reads, “Jesus stopped.” In the King James Version it reads, “Jesus stood still.” It was not so much that Jesus slowed down and eventually stopped walking as it was that something caught His attention, something that caused Him to say to Himself, “I've got to stop right now!”

Jesus was a Man on a mission, on His way to Jerusalem, where He would fulfill Mk. 10:45. Three times He described to His disciples what this would look like (Mk. 8:31; 9:12; 10:33- 34). Leaving Jericho, Jesus started the 15-mile ascent to Jerusalem and taught the crowd as He and His disciples walked.  Not long after Jesus started walking, His attention was arrested. He stopped moving to allow His body to catch up with His spirit. Something had stirred Him! He had to stop and check it out.

What was it that captivated Him?

• Was it that Bartimaeus asked for mercy?
• Was it that Bartimaeus kept on asking, getting more intense each time he asked?
• Was it that Jesus, knowing who had called and what was needed, couldn't wait to show compassion and deliver healing to Bartimaeus?
• Was it that Bartimaeus called Jesus “Son of David” (Messiah) instead of “Jesus of Nazareth” or “son of Joseph”?

All of those were significant, but they were not the cause. Jesus' heart was captivated by Bartimaeus' faith.  “Your faith has made you well” (Mk. 10:52). Jesus recognized something in Bartimaeus' cry and demeanor, something that indicated relentless faith.

I want to teach on this subject: faith that will not stop. More specifically, I will identify 7 MARKS OF 'FAITH THAT WILL NOT STOP'.  As you interact with the Holy Spirit, evaluate whether you have this faith.