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Woship Resources 2008-2009 — Year B: Be a Sanctuary of Christ's Peace
Return to Year B: 2008-2009
Resource Index
Sunday, October 25, 2009
What Do You Want?
Ordinary Time (Proper 25)
Scriptures: Job 42:1–6, 10–17; Psalm 34:1–8, 19–22; Hebrews
7:23–28/7:22–27 IV; Mark 10:46–52/10:46–54 IV; III Nephi 8:6–10;
Doctrine and Covenants 157:17
Prelude
Gathering Song: “What Does the Lord Require of You?” NS 52
OR “Lord, Help Me to Know Your Presence” NS 31
OR “Church of Christ, in Latter Days” HS 291
Call to Worship: Psalm 34:1–8
*Opening Hymn: “Holy Spirit, Come with Power” HS 287
OR “Now in This Moment” HS 58
*Invocation
*Response
Disciples’ Generous Response
Each Sunday, as part of the Disciples’ Generous Response, we ask you to
integrate the message of “share equally” between Local and World Ministries
Mission Tithes. Generosity stories are provided to keep the church in touch
with how contributions to Mission Tithes spread the peace of Jesus Christ.
Please use the stories, testimonies, and up-to-date contribution information
as part of your offertory ministry. Visit
www.CofChrist.org/generositystories to print a copy, or contact your
pastor, congregational financial officer, or worship coordinator for a copy.
Scripture: III Nephi 8:6–10
Blessing and Receiving of Mission Tithes
Congregational Hymn: “Lord, Speak to Me” HS 412
OR “Lord, Help Me to Know Your Presence” NS 31
Focus Moment.
Have someone in the congregation with a dramatic reading voice read
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Have children come forward to hear
the story as it is read.
Ministry of Music
Have a member of the congregation sing HS 345, “You Satisfy the
Hungry Heart,” as a solo. Consider having it sung a cappella.
Prayer for Peace see
page 27
Message
Based on Mark 10:46–52
*Closing Hymn: “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee” HS 462
OR “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian” HS 464
Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 157:17
*Benediction
*Response
*Postlude
Sermon Helps
Scriptures: Job 42:1–6, 10–17; Psalm 34:1–8, 19–22; Hebrews
7:23–28/7:22–27 IV; Mark 10:46–52/10:46–54 IV
Exploring the Scriptures
This scripture lesson from the Gospel of Mark explores the final healing
experience as Jesus prepares to make his entrance into Jerusalem, and ultimately
to the cross.
During his layover in Jericho, Jesus encountered a blind man whose existence
had succumbed to that of a beggar living on the side of a road. But when Jesus
and the crowd passed by, Bartimaeus sensed something special in Jesus and began
to cry out. Even in his already disabled condition, which had created barriers
in his life, Bartimaeus now faced added stumbling blocks as the surrounding
people attempted to quiet him. But Mark allows the reader to see in this
struggling human being a determination that overcomes the voices who seek to
oppress and silence him. In this passage we can see Mark mirroring in the life
of Bartimaeus the same determination and faithfulness that kept Jesus on the
journey to Jerusalem, even among the voices which tried to silence him.
To better understand the story where Jesus confronted Bartimaeus with the
probing question, “What do you want me to do for you?” it will be necessary to
overlay this scene on a previous scene in Mark 10:35–37. Here we find two of
Jesus’ disciples, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They come to Jesus and
ask him to do something for them. When Jesus asked, “What is it you want me to
do for you?” their response was, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and
one at your left, in your glory” (v. 37). But in the passage for this Sunday,
the blind beggar, who had little, found himself facing the same question. And he
simply said, “Let me see again.” Mark’s literary technique challenges the reader
to reexamine what is essential for a disciple and challenges each of us to put
in order our deepest desires.
James and John did not seem to understand the deeper meaning of what Jesus
was about. However, Bartimaeus gained more than just the healing of his physical
sight—he saw who Jesus truly was. When Jesus sent Bartimaeus on his way, the
only response Bartimaeus could make was to follow the one who offered a new way
of seeing.
Though this Gospel story has a focus on the miracle of healing for Bartimaeus,
the real miracle may be found in God’s grace. It is that grace that allows God
to hear us with our blindness and woundedness and be willing to step into the
imperfections of our lives to make us new. But the challenge is, when we are
sent on our way, which way will we go?
Central Ideas
- In our own blindness at times, God’s grace extends new sight for our
journey with Jesus Christ.
- The presence of Jesus Christ in our life gives us the power to heal and
transform us from the wounded beggar to the disciple who follows with joy
and new life.
Questions for the Speaker
- As a follower of Jesus Christ, what is it that you are wanting Jesus to
do for you and your congregation?
- How can those in your congregation be the presence of Jesus to those who
sit in darkness?
- Describe a time when you felt you were in darkness, but gained new sight
through God’s presence.
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