Community

This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to preach at a friends church.  I always enjoy filling in for friends and speaking to a congregation that doesn't know me.  I guess my defenses are down a little and I usually speak more from my heart, rather than what's on my sermon outline.  This week was no exception, in fact I was surprising more personally effected and a little emotional than I usually am.  As I delivered the words that God had given me, I felt my mind not only connecting with the people of the church, but my thoughts were also being drawn toward Life Group communities, and how this topic applied to all of us as leaders.

The topic of my message was The Church, Community and a Guy Named Bartimaeus.  If you aren't familiar with the story of "Blind Bartimaeus" in Mark 10:46-52, take a few minutes to read it before reading the rest of this blog.  In fact, since it's so short, here it is.  No excuse now!

"Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging.  When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”  So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road."  (NIV)


Man, there is so much here!  But don't worry, I'm not going to regurgitate my entire sermon for you!  However, if you'd like to buy me a cup of coffee, I will gladly share all of the cool things God showed me in this passage!  But let's focus on one question: What does this have to do with real Christian Community?  How does this apply to us as Life Group leaders? Well, let's answer that with a question: Where was Peter?  Where were any of the disciples when Bartimaeus called out, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"  At this point of scripture, Peter had just confessed that Jesus was "the Christ, the Son of the living God". (Luke 9:18-21)  They were about to enter Jerusalem for the culmination of the redemption story.  Everything was coming together, and the disciples were beginning to fully understand who Jesus really was.  Why were the disciples not rushing to Bartimaeus' side and leading him to Jesus?  Why was Peter not front and center, leading the way as this poor, blind beggar cried out for mercy?  And "Son of David" was a Messianic term, so could it have been that Bartimaeus understood something that the "inner circle" didn't?    

Well, just like we do sometimes, the disciples just didn't get it.  They were more focused on the physical realities of following Jesus, rather than the deeper spiritual truths that He had been teaching them.  They were focused on the excitement of the up coming Passover and  anticipating what Jesus was going to do to kick the Romans in the butt.  They were more focused on being part of this movement that was going to bring victory, freedom and redemption to the people of Israel.  They didn't have time to waste with a blind beggar that was probably stuck in his predicament because of his own selfish sin. (See John 9:2 - No connection to Bartimaeus)  They were more focused on themselves and their own special Life Group.

You see, in reality, our Life Group's are small communities of disciples.  We follow the teachings of Christ, learn, grow, screw up and try and try next time to do better.  Yes; our life group exist for each person that participates, including you as a leader.  But the bigger picture is existing for those outside the Life Group.  Each group is a representation of the Body of Christ, who main purpose is to reach those that have no connection to it.  We exists to shine a light in this sometimes very dark world, so that people, as well as our entire culture, see the Kingdom of God.  We exist to advance the Kingdom.  And exist for people like Bartimaeus.

See, Bartimaues represents every person living on the fringes of society.  Each and every person that walk in the margins of life, seek the same thing: redemption.  They may not realize it, or have a twisted view of what it means, but they long for it none the less.  Our job is to find those people wherever they are, have mercy on them and show them to the Son of David.  The purpose of our Life Groups is to provide a safe place for people to come and be accepted just as they are.  Regardless of why they come, our purpose remains the same; advancing Kingdom and making it a reality.   

So, my challenge to you this week is to keep your eyes open for Bartimaeus.  He's out there right now.  He at your workplace, your neighborhoods, Wal-Mart, target, soccer games, everywhere.  And he's calling out, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"  We have to make the decision: do we tell him to shut up and that Jesus doesn't have time for him?  Or do we become his eyes, his ears, his arms and legs?  Do we rush to his side, put our arms around him and lead him to the Son of David?  We are the Body of Christ.  Are we asking the simple and unconditional question, "What do you want me to do for you?"