THE CRY THAT STOPPED JESUS

THE CRY THAT STOPPED JESUS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Mark 10:46-52

Supporting Texts: Luke 18:35-43, Psalm 34:17, Isaiah 35:5, Jeremiah 33:3, Hebrews 11:6

INTRODUCTION:
Blind Bartimaeus is one of the most inspiring figures in the New Testament. Though blind and seemingly insignificant to many, he demonstrated great faith and determination. His story is a powerful testimony of how desperate faith, when rightly directed, can lead to divine intervention. He cried out, not with his eyes, but with his heart — and that cry stopped Jesus.

In a world where people are often overlooked due to their conditions, limitations, or backgrounds, the account of Bartimaeus gives hope. It proves that God is not deaf to the cry of the broken. Bartimaeus was not the only one in need, but he was the one who refused to be silenced, and as a result, he received his miracle.

This message will examine the encounter of Bartimaeus with Jesus, revealing truths that can help us also attract divine attention, breakthrough barriers, and receive the manifestation of God’s mercy and power.

1. THE RECOGNITION OF OPPORTUNITY

a) Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by (Mark 10:47)
He could not see, but his ears were alert to divine activity. He recognised that his miracle was within reach.

b) He understood the significance of timing (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Moments of divine visitation are not to be wasted. Bartimaeus seized his moment.

c) He acted without hesitation (Psalm 32:6)
Delay could mean a missed opportunity. He knew he had to act while Jesus was still near.

d) He discerned Jesus rightly (Luke 18:38)
He called Him “Son of David” — a messianic title, indicating his faith in Jesus as the Christ.

Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood also recognised and seized her moment (Mark 5:25-34)

2. THE REFUSAL TO BE SILENCED

a) Many tried to shut him up (Mark 10:48)
Society, religion, and voices of discouragement will often try to mute the desperate.

b) He cried the more (Psalm 18:6)
He turned up the volume of his cry instead of giving up. Persistence is key to receiving from God.

c) He refused to be intimidated (2 Timothy 1:7)
Faith must be fearless. His determination defied human opposition.

d) His cry attracted divine attention (Psalm 34:15)
Jesus stood still. The cry of faith will always stop heaven in its tracks.

Biblical Example: The Syrophoenician woman was not silenced by rejection (Mark 7:24-30)

3. THE RESPONSE OF JESUS

a) Jesus stopped and called him (Mark 10:49)
Jesus responds to faith. When we call in faith, heaven responds with attention.

b) Jesus asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51)
Jesus desires clarity in our petitions. Bartimaeus had a specific request.

c) He expressed his need boldly (Hebrews 4:16)
He did not speak vaguely. He asked for what seemed impossible — to receive sight.

d) Jesus honoured his faith (Mark 10:52)
“Your faith has made you whole.” Faith is the currency of miracles.

Biblical Example: Jesus responded similarly to the centurion’s faith (Matthew 8:5-13)

4. THE MIRACLE AND ITS AFTERMATH

a) Bartimaeus immediately received his sight (Mark 10:52)
Divine intervention is instant when faith meets God’s will.

b) He followed Jesus on the way (Luke 18:43)
True gratitude is shown in continued commitment to Christ.

c) His miracle inspired others (Luke 18:43b)
The people praised God because of his healing.

d) His life changed forever (Psalm 126:1-3)
A moment with Jesus ended a lifetime of blindness.

Biblical Example: The lame man at the Beautiful Gate also walked and leapt for joy (Acts 3:1-10)

CONCLUSION:
Bartimaeus teaches us that even when we cannot see the way, we can still hear and respond to divine opportunity. His story is a challenge to never allow the crowd or circumstance to silence our pursuit of God.

Every person can experience a divine turnaround like Bartimaeus — but it begins with recognising the moment, crying out in faith, refusing discouragement, and responding to Jesus with expectation and clarity.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, open my ears to divine opportunities even when I cannot see the way.
2. Father, give me the boldness to cry out in faith no matter the resistance.
3. I refuse to be silenced by my environment or my limitations.
4. Let the cry of my heart attract divine attention in Jesus’ name.
5. Lord Jesus, have mercy on me and change my story.
6. I receive grace to respond clearly and specifically in prayer.
7. Let my faith be honoured with visible miracles.
8. I receive power to follow Jesus faithfully after my breakthrough.
9. Lord, let my testimony lead others to glorify You.
10. Father, turn my life around and give me a new beginning.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Your cry shall attract heaven’s attention!
2. No voice will silence your miracle in Jesus’ name!
3. Your moment of divine visitation will not pass you by!
4. What you have been blind to, the Lord shall open your eyes to see!
5. You will receive your miracle speedily!
6. Your faith will produce undeniable results!
7. The Jesus who stopped for Bartimaeus is stopping for you now!
8. Every delay in your life is turning into a testimony!
9. Your life shall cause others to glorify God!
10. You are stepping into a new season of sight, purpose, and progress!