Woship Resources 2008-2009 — Year B: Be a Sanctuary of Christ's Peace

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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
  1. In our own blindness at times, God’s grace extends new sight for our journey with Jesus Christ.
     
  2. 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
  1. As a follower of Jesus Christ, what is it that you are wanting Jesus to do for you and your congregation?
     
  2. How can those in your congregation be the presence of Jesus to those who sit in darkness?
     
  3. Describe a time when you felt you were in darkness, but gained new sight through God’s presence.

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