Unrefusing
Luke 18:35-43
Part of Naked and Unafraid—2023
August 21, 2023

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(underlined words)


Unrefusing

Refuse: to withhold acceptance or permission

Look for these questions in today’s story:

–Who is withholding acceptance?
–Who is refusing to be ignored?
–What’s our role in this story?

Blind Wisdom

As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” —Luke 18:35-38 (NLT)

As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” —Matthew 20:29-30 (NLT)

Could and Would

“Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him.

But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

“Lord,” he said, “I want to see!” —Luke 18:39-41 (NLT)

He took the

to Jesus, not the .
(cause, effect)

Become a Movement

And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too. —Luke 18:42-43 (NLT)

So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law. —Romans 3:28 (NLT)

Ted Talk by Derek Sivers: How to Start a Movement


Go Beyond the Sermon…

All summer, there will be daily devotions to help you take the sermon into your day-to-day life. Keep up through the church app, website, or on our social pages.

Questions to Ponder:

Who was withholding acceptance in the story? How would you relate this to today?

Who was refusing to be ignored? When have you seen this in the church recently?

What was the last movement you witnessed?

What’s one thing that has challenged you from this story?

For Further Reading: Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli