Desperation
Stories of desperate
people today
Entering in to the
desperate situations
of others reveals the
heart of Jesus
Stories of desperate people in Mark’s gospel
Mark 7:24-26
24Jesus left that place and went to the
vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did
not want anyone to know it; yet he could not
keep his presence secret. 25In fact, as soon
as she heard about him, a woman whose
little daughter was possessed by an evil
spirit came and fell at his feet. 26The
woman was a Greek, born in Syrian
Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the
demon out of her daughter.
Stories of desperate people in Mark’s gospel
Mark 7:32
32There some people brought to him a man
who was deaf and could hardly talk, and
they begged him to place his hand on the
man.
Mark 8:22
22They came to Bethsaida, and some
people brought a blind man and begged
Jesus to touch him.
Stories of desperate people in Mark’s gospel
Mark 9:22-24
"From childhood," he answered. 22"It has
often thrown him into fire or water to kill him.
But if you can do anything, take pity on us
and help us."
23" 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is
possible for him who believes."
24Immediately the boy's father exclaimed,
"I do believe; help me overcome my
unbelief!"
Stories of desperate people in Mark’s gospel
Mark 10:46-52
46Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus
and his disciples, together with a large
crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man,
Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus),
was sitting by the roadside begging.
47When he heard that it was Jesus of
Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of
David, have mercy on me!"
Stories of desperate people in Mark’s gospel
48Many rebuked him and told him to be
quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of
David, have mercy on me!"
49Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So
they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On
your feet! He's calling you." 50Throwing his
cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came
to Jesus.
Stories of desperate people in Mark’s gospel
51"What do you want me to do for you?"
Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to
see."
52"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed
you." Immediately he received his sight and
followed Jesus along the road.
The religious
leaders were
desperate too
What are you desperate
about right now? On your
heart/ mind? Taking lots of
energy?
What do you do when you
are desperate, or know of
others in desperate
situations?