Tag: Son of David

One Of The Most Powerful Evangelism Questions That Jesus Used – Mark 10:32-52

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From my reading in Mark 10:32-52 in the One Year New Testament.

Blind Faith

As Jesus was leaving Jericho, a blind beggar named Bartimaus called out to Jesus. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

This is an insightful phrase because he called him “Son of David”, which shows that he believed that he was the promised Messiah! Others were trying to shut him up but he yelled louder.

What do you want me to do for you?

Then Jesus called for him and when Bartimaeus got to him, Jesus asked.

 “What do you want me to do for you?” Mark 10:51

He was blind!  What did Jesus think he wanted?; he wanted to see! Jesus then said,

“Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.” Mark 10:52

This is a great story of a man’s faith and Jesus’ willingness to answer his request.

Meet The Need

There is an outreach principle we can learn from this passage. as well. We should be aware of and sensitive to the needs of people we are trying to reach.

One tool that I have seen to help with starting ministries and churches is surveys asking people about the needs of the area.  This shows them you care and it better equips your ministry to reach the culture.

This is also a good question to ask of the people in your life whom you would like to serve.  I challenge you to ask someone this question today.

What do you want me to do for you?

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How To Have Dogged Determination And Faith – Matthew 15:1-20

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Reflection from my reading in Matthew 15:1-20 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Jesus and his disciples when North to the region of Tyre and Sidon to possibly get away from the crowds and the religious leaders. Then a Canaanite woman asked him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Historically, the Canannite people were enemies with the Jews and generally worshiped false gods. Here’s what she said,

“Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” Matthew 15:22

Jesus ignored this at first. This caused the disciples to tell Jesus to send her away. By ignoring her, he was testing her faith. She called him the Jewish term “Son of David.” This term was used for the promised Jewish Messiah. The commentaries argue that he didn’t respond because she was trying to come to him on Jewish terms. Jesus then said, 

“I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 15:24

Jesus used this as an opportunity to share that his ministry focus was indeed the Israelites. (Something we learn from this is that it is okay to have a target group of people that you are trying to reach in your church or ministry, but you still must love and accept everyone.) This response tested her faith even further, but she would not give up!

“But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.”  And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” Matthew 15:25–26

She then called him “Lord,” which shows her faith in him and does not have the same Jewish ties as “Son of David.” But Jesus again says that he needs to focus his work on feeding his Jewish children and not the Gentiles, or “dogs.”  Jesus is not being harsh with this woman but using a normal term to illustrate how his ministry is directed toward Israel. Even hearing this, she still won’t give up!

“She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.” Matthew 15:27–28 

Jesus called this woman’s faith GREAT! We can learn a lot from this woman to not give up asking Jesus for what we want. Jesus was pleased with her and granted her request. Eventually, after Jesus ministers to the Jews, the good news indeed would be opened up to all people!

This woman’s faith and dogged determination inspire me to ask God and not to give up on my requests. I am grateful that I (as a Gentile) get to eat the crumbs of God’s grace because his crumbs are better than our lobster dinner!

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