Emphasis Preaching Journal

• Vision Check by Chris Keating — Jesus’ question of Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” becomes an invitation to a joyful, life-giving transformation experience of discipleship.
• Second Thoughts: Don’t Let Go of My Hand by Quantisha Mason-Doll — In God’s future no one is left behind — even those who would be considered burdens.

Object: A cloak, or something to use as a cloak, an old bowl, and a handful of pennies.

Note: If you believe your children can do it, this is a great message to have them role-play. Have one child play Bartimaeus, one play Jesus, and the other play the ‘crowd’. Depending on your group, you can ask for volunteers or select specific children for the roles of Jesus and Bartimaeus. If you don’t think role-play will work, just share the story without the role-play pieces.

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They said to the blind man, "Take heart; get up, he is calling you." Jesus continues to call us today, so in our worship let us take heart, get up and respond to him.

Jesus, sometimes we don't hear you when you call.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our hearts are low and we feel fed up and depressed.
Christ, have mercy.