Digging Deeper: The True Response to Healing


And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

Mark 10:51 (ESV)



THE TRUE RESPONSE TO HEALING

 

In 2021, I went to the Braves’ World Series parade to celebrate with my wife and friends the fact that they had finally pulled it off! It was an interesting day, filled with huge crowds of people all trying to squeeze to the front of the barricades for the best view of the players. We waited for hours, and it finally started. The first bus turned the corner, and the moment had arrived… but we didn’t see any players. This bus was filled with front-office workers. Then came the owner. Then the manager. Then Blooper. Now, I have a deep respect for each of these men and all they did to bring a title to the A, but I was here for the players.

I wanted to see Freddie, Dansby, and Soler. These were the guys who played in the game. These were the men who blasted a 446-foot home run to put us up in Game 6 against the Astros. I wanted to see them! And finally, it happened. The first players’ bus came. Everyone was cheering, excited to see the team!

Excitement in a city is not a new concept. I would argue that, in the Bible, there was an even greater sense of excitement in a city—with its tightly knit communities, festivals, and celebrations. But there was something different in the air on the day we read about in Jericho. The people around Bartimaeus were probably running to get as close as possible to whatever barricades had been set up. He probably lay there, wondering what was happening. Then he heard it… Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.

The moment finally arrived. Bartimaeus was healed and could see. I wonder what that moment was like. Scripture doesn’t tell us how Bartimaeus ended up in this condition. Was he born blind? Was there an accident? Had he ever seen before? In this moment, he stood eye to eye with Jesus.

This story has an unexpected conclusion. Bartimaeus was healed by Jesus, and he was given the opportunity to go his way. Jesus gave him full permission to return to life however he chose. Would he return to his family, who had likely abandoned him? Would he go help the people he had once begged alongside? Would he check off all the items on his bucket list?

Bartimaeus chose to do none of these. Scripture says he immediately recovered his sight and followed Jesus on His way. He knew what he had found was special, and he wanted to do everything he could to be with Jesus.

If you turn to the next chapter in the book of Mark, you’ll see that after a 15-mile journey from Jericho to Jerusalem, the next event recorded in Jesus’ life is the triumphal entry. This marked the beginning of the last week of His life—a week that would end with His arrest and crucifixion.

Imagine the shock Bartimaeus must have felt. The Healer he had just met, the man who had given him sight, was now being led to His death. Jesus had been clear in His conversations with His followers in the final weeks of His life—He was going to die. They just didn’t want to believe it. The disciples struggled to grasp it, and I can’t help but wonder if Bartimaeus did too. He had followed Jesus, expecting more life, more healing, and more miracles… only to witness his new leader being crucified.

Unfortunately, we don’t know the rest of Bartimaeus’ story. Some of the disciples hid after Jesus was arrested, but Jesus made sure to restore them by appearing to them. Bartimaeus is never mentioned by name again, but I truly believe he must have been among the 500 followers who saw Jesus ascend, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15.

Seeing Jesus changes everything. For Bartimaeus, it meant leaving behind the life he knew and stepping into a journey of faith. For us, it means that when we truly encounter Christ, we can’t just go back to who we were before.

Have you seen Jesus for who He really is? And if so, how has it changed the direction of your life?

 


Sellers Hickman serves as College & Teaching Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their two daughters. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.

 

Digging Deeper: What Do You Want Jesus to do for You?

51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”

Mark 10:51 (ESV)



WHAT DO YOU WANT JESUS TO DO FOR YOU?

 

Growing up watching movies and shows like Aladdin and The Fairly OddParents, I believed that by this point in my life, there would be at least one opportunity to have a wish granted. I’m sure many of you played the same game I did growing up—if you were given three wishes right now, what would you wish for?

In our story from Sunday, a blind beggar is faced with that very opportunity, but he doesn’t have a genie in front of him. He has the God of the universe.

Bartimaeus had been crying out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” because he knew of Jesus’ power. Jesus acknowledged him and asked him to come over. Bartimaeus threw off his cloak and ran to Jesus. Then, the moment finally arrived—he was face to face with Jesus (though still unable to see Him due to his blindness). And Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

Imagine that—the God of the universe, who is far more powerful than any genie or fairy, asks Bartimaeus what he would like to happen. This decision was an easy one for him because he had probably thought every day about what it would be like to see again. He didn’t hesitate. He didn’t bargain. He simply asked.

This verse is intentionally placed here to contrast Bartimaeus’ request with that of James and John in verses 35–37:

“35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.’ 36 And he said to them, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ 37 And they said to him, ‘Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.’”

These two disciples of Jesus were concerned with the glory and honor they could receive because they believed Jesus would establish an earthly, political kingdom. They wanted immediate attention and status. Bartimaeus, on the other hand, simply wanted to see again—so that he could give glory to God.

Even the way these men asked shows a major distinction. James and John told Jesus to do whatever they asked. Bartimaeus, however, humbled himself multiple times by crying out to Jesus. James and John approached Jesus out of pride, but Bartimaeus sought Jesus out of humility.

Let me ask you—if you had the opportunity to ask for one thing, what would it be? I pray that it wouldn’t be something as trivial as a little more money, comfort, or security. I want to encourage you to truly think about this: What is the one thing in my life that would be a miracle? What is something I physically cannot do in my own strength? What is something that only the God of the universe could accomplish?

When you determine what that is for you, I challenge you to pray for it daily. Believe God for it. But as we learned from James and John, seek God for it out of humility, not self-interest. And above all, may your greatest desire not just be for what Jesus can do for you—but for Jesus Himself.

 


Sellers Hickman serves as College & Teaching Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their two daughters. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.

 

Digging Deeper: Throw Off Your Cloak

And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.

Mark 10:50 (ESV)



THROW OFF YOUR CLOAK

 

I made a big deal a few months ago in one of my Sunday morning sermons about my love for the Michelin Star restaurant known as LongHorn Steakhouse. If you remember, I have a deep love for the best item on the menu—the chicken tenders. I cannot describe to you in enough detail the perfectly seasoned and breaded pieces of chicken, along with the perfectly paired complement of just the right concoction of honey mustard.

There is just one problem when I get to LongHorn. The waiter or waitress will come to my table, ask for my drink order, and then they’ll ask the dreaded question: “Would you like a loaf of bread?” Now, I have the willpower of a goldfish when it comes to anything bread-related, and it truly takes everything within me not to respond, “I’ll take a dozen loaves.”

Then that fateful moment happens—my perfectly prepared Michelin Star entrée arrives at the table… and I’m full. I’ve filled up on something good but not the best thing.

It can be hard to wait sometimes, even when you know something better is coming. Bartimaeus did not have that problem because he knew something much better had come. That something was Jesus.

When you read this story, the detail of Bartimaeus throwing off his cloak is a huge deal! For a blind beggar, his cloak was everything. It kept him warm. It allowed him to cover up and hide from the crowd. His cloak was probably beaten and battered from years in the elements. But one thing is certain—it was most likely the most important item Bartimaeus owned and the most loyal thing in his life.

Leaving his cloak behind was costly, but Bartimaeus knew that something better had come. And notice—he didn’t do this after Jesus healed him. He did it simply for the chance to meet with Jesus.

You may be thinking, “Well, duh, Sellers. Jesus is greater than blindness.” Friends, I would love to put before you that Jesus is greater than anything we could have in this life. Jesus is greater than running a Fortune 500 company. Jesus is greater than climbing Mt. Everest. Jesus is greater than becoming famous.

Yet, how often do we fill up on things that aren’t bad, but aren’t the best? We chase success, approval, comfort, and security, thinking they will satisfy—only to find ourselves full yet unfulfilled. Meanwhile, Jesus is offering us something so much better: Himself.

For you today, what would you be willing to throw off to get to Jesus? What are you holding onto so tightly, thinking it’s essential, when in reality, Jesus is offering you something far greater? Now, I’m not saying you should abandon all your earthly responsibilities—we are called to care for the things around us. But maybe, just maybe, there’s something in your life keeping you from fully embracing Jesus. And if that’s the case, it might just be time to let it go.

 


Sellers Hickman serves as College & Teaching Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their two daughters. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.

 

Digging Deeper: An Interruptible Mission

46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.”

Mark 10:46-49 (ESV)



AN INTERRUPTIBLE MISSION

 

Having two kids now, I have learned one thing as a parent: my plans and schedule do not matter one bit to my kids! Proverbs 16:9 was instrumental in my life as I made college decisions. It says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

If that verse were rewritten today for parents, it would probably say, “The heart of parents plans their ways, but their children determine their steps.” It can be frustrating at times to be interrupted so much while trying to get out the door, put them to bed, or clean the house. But I have learned that in those moments of interruption come some of the sweetest interactions—when I have the right perspective.

Being interruptible can be incredibly difficult, but it is something that Jesus models consistently throughout the Gospels. Jesus was interrupted by a leper in Mark 1. In Mark 2, the roof was torn off while He was teaching, and a paralytic man was lowered down. In Mark 6, His sleep was interrupted by His disciples. None of these moments were seen as a nuisance by Jesus but as opportunities to care for people who were hurting. The Savior of the world took time to stop for people, even when it could have been seen as “inconvenient.”

Our story today is another example of Jesus being interrupted. He was entering Jericho on His way to Jerusalem. Jesus had a mission to accomplish—He was headed to the cross. But even with His eyes set on the cross, He took time to stop for a man whom society had forgotten.

Imagine the weight of that moment. Jesus, fully aware of the suffering He was about to endure, could have easily justified keeping His focus on what was ahead. He could have ignored the cries of a blind beggar, reasoning that His mission was too great to be delayed. But instead, He stopped. He saw the person in front of Him. He acknowledged the need. That single act of stopping not only changed the life of the blind man, but it demonstrated the very heart of Christ—a heart that values people over projects, presence over efficiency, and compassion over convenience.

For you today, what will your response be to being interrupted? Maybe it’s at work, with your children, or simply at the grocery store. Will you see interruptions as obstacles or as opportunities? How often do we rush through our days, missing the moments God places in front of us because we are too focused on our own plans?

What if, instead of growing frustrated, we saw interruptions as divine appointments—moments where God is inviting us to love, serve, and be present for those around us? Jesus didn’t just tolerate interruptions; He embraced them as part of His ministry. As His followers, we are called to do the same.

This week, ask God to help you slow down, be present, and see the people He puts in your path. You may just find that in the midst of the interruptions, He is doing something greater than you ever expected.

 


Sellers Hickman serves as College & Teaching Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their two daughters. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.

 

Digging Deeper: From Curious to Committed

 

Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. 39 With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. 40 Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth. 41 The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. 42 And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

John 19:38-42 (NLT)



FROM CURIOUS TO COMMITTED

 

Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a respected ruler, sought Jesus under the cloak of night. Fear and curiosity warred within him. He had witnessed Jesus’ miracles, heard His profound teachings, and felt a stirring in his soul. “How can these things be?” he questioned, grappling with the concept of being born again.

Jesus’ words, like seeds in fertile ground, began to sprout—though hidden from the harsh light of his peers’ judgment. The night symbolized his internal struggle, the wrestling between tradition and the allure of something new.

Time passed, and the seeds grew. When the Sanhedrin condemned Jesus, Nicodemus dared to speak—a flicker of defiance against the gathering darkness. His voice, though perhaps trembling, offered a defense, a plea for justice.

Then, at the foot of the cross, Nicodemus emerged fully into the light. With Joseph of Arimathea, he brought spices—a lavish display of devotion—and helped lay Jesus’ body in the tomb. The night’s uncertainty had yielded to the day’s boldness. Nicodemus’ journey from secret inquiry to a public act of faith was complete.

Reflection:

  • In what ways is your faith becoming more public?
  • What step can you take to move from curiosity to commitment?

Suggested Prayer:

Jesus, I don’t want to be a secret believer. Grant me the courage to follow You boldly and with joy. Amen.

 


Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

Digging Deeper: The Spirit is Moving and Cannot Be Predicted

 

“The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”

John 3:8 (NLT)



THE SPIRIT IS MOVING AND CANNOT BE PREDICTED

 

A seasoned sailor can prepare his boat—hoist the sails, check the rigging, and position the rudder—but without the wind, the boat remains motionless. No amount of rowing, pushing, or wishing can generate the power of the wind.

Jesus told Nicodemus that spiritual birth works the same way: “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8, ESV). Just as the wind moves the boat in ways beyond the sailor’s control, spiritual rebirth is solely the work of the Holy Spirit. We cannot manufacture it; we can only surrender to it.

Nicodemus, who craved logical clarity, was challenged to understand that the Spirit works beyond human prediction. This verse teaches us that faith involves trusting in a dynamic, unpredictable power rather than relying on our own calculations. It reminds us that our attempts to control spiritual outcomes are futile and that true transformation comes from surrendering to God’s sovereign, unseen work in our lives.

Allow yourself to be surprised by God’s work, even when it defies your plans. Choose to trust His timing, even in uncertain circumstances.

Reflection:

  • Have you ever sensed the Holy Spirit leading you in an unexpected direction?
  • What is one way you can be more open to the movement of God’s Spirit in your life?

Suggested Prayer:

God, help me to trust Your Spirit’s work, even when I don’t understand. I surrender my plans to You. Amen.

 


Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

Digging Deeper: Spiritual Life Cannot Be Manufactured

 

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” 5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.”

John 3:3-6 (NLT)



SPIRITUAL LIFE CANNOT BE MANUFACTURED

 

A world-famous sculptor once attempted to create the most lifelike statue ever carved. He chiseled every detail with precision—the folds of the skin, the depth of the eyes, even the veins beneath the surface. When completed, it looked stunningly real. A crowd gathered in awe, but when someone whispered, “Come to life,” nothing happened. No matter how perfect the statue, it remained lifeless—because only God can give life.

In the same way, religion, morality, or effort can make us appear spiritually alive, but only the Spirit can truly bring us to life (John 3:5–6). Jesus declares that spiritual rebirth is not manufactured by human effort but is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Nicodemus, a man of logic and tradition, struggled with the concept of being “born again”—a mystery that defies natural experience.

Jesus’ words challenge us to recognize that genuine transformation arises from divine intervention rather than self-made efforts. This passage invites us to surrender our self-reliance and embrace a renewal that is essential for entering God’s Kingdom and experiencing eternal life. Let go of self-reliance and seek His renewing power daily. Surrender your personal efforts and allow God to mold you into His image.

Reflection:

  • Have you ever tried to change yourself instead of allowing God to transform you?
  • What does being “born again” mean in your life?

Suggested Prayer:

Holy Spirit, I surrender my efforts to You. Transform me from the inside out. Amen.

 


Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

Digging Deeper: Jesus is More than a Teacher

 

No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.

John 3:13-15 (NLT)



JESUS IS MORE THAN A TEACHER

 

This passage teaches that Jesus is not merely an admired teacher but the divine Savior who descended from heaven. His comparison to Moses lifting the bronze snake illustrates that faith in Him brings life and healing. Nicodemus, initially captivated by Jesus’ wisdom, is challenged to move from mere admiration to an intimate, transformative relationship that grants eternal life. The text calls us to embrace a deeper commitment—one that transforms our hearts rather than just our minds.

C.S. Lewis, in Mere Christianity, uses the analogy of a man building a house. He argues that Christianity isn’t just about accepting a set of intellectual propositions, like agreeing that two plus two equals four. “The difference is that in the first case [mathematics], you have only got to understand, whereas in the second [Christianity], you have got to do something. It is more like learning to swim than learning about swimming. You throw yourself into the water. And in Christianity, you have to throw yourself, in a sense, on Christ.”

Reflect on whether you are simply reciting words or truly experiencing Jesus’ saving power. Pursue a relationship with Christ that goes beyond intellectual admiration. Let His sacrifice inspire you to live a life marked by genuine commitment.

Reflection:

  • Do you see Jesus only as a teacher, or have you embraced Him as your Savior?
  • How can you move from admiration to a committed faith as you embrace Jesus as Lord?

Suggested Prayer:

Jesus, You are more than a teacher—you are my Savior. Help me not just to learn about You but to truly trust in You. Amen.

 


Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

Digging Deeper: Curious and Confused

 

There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. ‘Rabbi,’ he said, ‘we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.’”

John 3:1-2 (NLT)



CURIOUS AND CONFUSED

 

Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee, visited Jesus secretly at night, driven by genuine curiosity yet constrained by fear of public judgment. His covert approach reveals an inner conflict—a yearning for truth versus the burden of cultural expectations. Jesus’ miraculous signs and profound teachings challenged Nicodemus to rethink his understanding of faith. This encounter invites us to examine our own hesitations in pursuing spiritual truth and to approach Christ with sincerity, even when fear tempts us to remain in the shadows.

Pastor Tim Keller, in a 2018 sermon, humorously recounted a Sunday school boy who earnestly asked, “If Jesus lives in my heart, does that mean He’s got a VIP section?” The teacher’s witty reply—that Jesus must have a separate lounge—sparked laughter while revealing spiritual depth. This amusing anecdote reminds us that even simple questions can unlock profound truths. It challenges us to pursue our inquiries with both humility and humor, trusting that God welcomes our honest, childlike curiosity.

Examine your life for areas where fear keeps you from seeking deeper truth. Commit to spending quiet time with God, asking honest questions about your faith. Share your journey with a trusted friend or mentor so you can grow together.

Reflection:

  • Have you ever hesitated to ask spiritual questions? Why?
  • What area of your faith remains unexplored?

Suggested Prayer:

God, help me seek truth boldly and overcome my fears to embrace You fully. Amen.

 


Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

Digging Deeper: Tell Your Story

 

28 So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” 30 They went out of the town and were coming to him . . . 39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”

John 4:28-30, 39-42 (ESV)

 



TELL YOUR STORY

 

As the disciples return from their grocery shopping, the woman heads back to town, leaving her water jar behind (v. 28). I find this an interesting dichotomy. On one hand, she may have wished to lighten her load so she could quickly return to share the good news. On the other hand, if I were in her position—with what I assume was a not-so-stellar reputation around town—I wouldn’t be in a hurry to engage in conversation with the locals. Fortunately, I am not God, and Jesus had a precise plan already in motion.

The Samaritan woman and Mary Magdalene (Matt. 28:7-8) have two things in common: both heard the good news about Jesus and quickly shared it with others. And although they were believed initially (which was unusual in their culture), those who heard them still had to see and hear for themselves (v. 39, 42; Lk. 24:10-12). No matter who plants the seed, God is the source, and His will is always done.

How did this Samaritan woman of questionable morals become such an influential messenger of the good news? She simply told her story. She met a man at a well who told her, “all I ever did” (v. 29, 39). She knew the Messiah had been promised long ago, and her heart was open to the possibility that this man was who He claimed to be. All her past sins and failures—though still a factual record—no longer defined her. Jesus defined her!

Barclay’s Study Bible notes:
“This very desire to tell others of her discovery killed in this woman the feeling of shame. She was no doubt an outcast; she was no doubt a byword; the very fact that she was drawing water from this distant well shows how she avoided her neighbors and how they avoided her. But now she ran to tell them of her discovery. A person may have some trouble which he is embarrassed to mention and which he tries to keep secret, but once he is cured, he is often so filled with wonder and gratitude that he tells everyone about it.”

Do you wish to quench your burning thirst? Seek the One who provides eternal living water. Do you know someone who is thirsty? Tell them about the Man you met—the One who knew all your faults, yet loved you still. Only He can satisfy a thirsty world.

Diggin Deeper (er):

Psalm 34:4-5; Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 3:15

 


Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.