Blind Bartimaeus with Sam Roberts

Don’t Forget What You Do Have

Scripture References

Primary text

• Mark 10:46
• Mark 10:49
• Mark 10:51

Other references

• Romans 12

Overview

Blind Bartimaeus was sidelined, labeled, and ignored—yet the moment he heard Jesus passing by he seized the opportunity and everything changed. Sam Roberts shows that, like Bartimaeus, we are not defined by what we lack or by the cracks in our story; our true value is set by the One who stopped for us. When we focus on what we do have, respond in faith, and call Jesus “Rabboni — my Master,” we begin to see ourselves as God’s masterpiece, created for good works.

Main Points

1. Bartimaeus: overlooked but ready

• Bartimaeus sat begging beside the road out of Jericho while crowds streamed past.
• The narrative names him, hinting that he once carried promise before blindness pushed him to the margins.
• Many of us feel like “damaged goods,” convinced opportunity has passed us by.

2. Hear, then act on what you have

• “When he heard that it was Jesus …”—Bartimaeus couldn’t see, but he could hear, and he acted on that ability.

• “Don’t focus so much on what you don’t have that you forget what you do have.”

• Romans 12 lists diverse gifts; everyone has a “do,” not just a “don’t.”
• Illustration: Sam’s daughter deleted distracting apps and built a summer bucket list—small changes produced a radically different season.

3. Push past the discouragers

• The crowd rebuked him, but he “shouted all the more.” Resistance often rises the moment you move toward change.
• Opportunities rarely wait; Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem and did not stop walking until faith stopped Him.
• Seize the passing moment—habit shifts today prevent “same old, same old” next year.

4. Jesus stops, sees, and asks

• Bartimaeus throws aside his cloak (old identity) and comes when called.
• You don’t need physical sight to be seen by Jesus; His attention is already on you.
• Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you?” probes desire and faith, not information.

5. True value and new vision

• Bartimaeus replies “Rabboni” (my Master), moving from a national title to a personal surrender.
• Immediately healed, he joins the road behind Jesus.
• Illustration: A master glass-blower’s cracked vase was trimmed and transformed into a more beautiful work; God similarly repurposes our fractures into masterpieces.
• Value is determined by the price paid; Christ’s blood sets ours beyond measure.

Key Truths

• Jesus notices people others overlook.
• What you act on matters more than what you lack.
• Opposition often signals a divine opportunity passing by.
• Our worth is established by God, not by titles, possessions, or past failures.
• In Christ we become masterpieces, made new for good works He already planned.

Response

• Identify one gift, resource, or opportunity you already have and use it in faith this week.
• Silence the inner and outer critics; declare Jesus’ truth over your identity.
• Step into a new habit that aligns with God’s purpose instead of replaying old patterns.
• Address Jesus personally—ask Him for the specific change you need and follow where He leads.

Closing

Jesus still stops for those who call Him “Rabboni.” Your cracks do not cancel your calling; they become part of the artwork God is fashioning. When you trade excuses for action and see your value through His eyes, you move from the roadside to the road with Him.

“Go; your faith has healed you.”

Prayer

Father, thank You for seeing us and calling us. Give us boldness to live from the value You’ve placed in us, passion to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, and clarity to use the gifts You’ve already given for Your glory. Make us new and lead us in the good works You prepared for us. Amen.

Resources

• “Habits” message series (Life.Church)