I’m Trying to See Something – Dr. Jamal Bryant – Sunday, November 16

Written on November 19, 2025. Posted in Sermon Notes.

Series: I’m Doing the Best I Can
Text: Mark 10:46–52 (Blind Bartimaeus)

2. Sermon Overview: “I’m Trying to See Something”

Scripture: Mark 10:46–47 – Blind Bartimaeus crying out to Jesus as He leaves Jericho.

a. Pain as Fuel for Purpose

Dr. Bryant opens with a testimony from Ray Lewis:
- As a child watching his mother being abused, Ray used a deck of cards to train his body—doing push-ups and sit-ups based on what card he pulled.
- There are 52 cards in a deck, and his jersey number later became 52.
Point: The byproduct of your pain will be your accomplishments.
- People don’t understand your drive because they don’t know your pain.
- Some struggles you choose out of self-respect, not failure:
  - Leaving relationships that look good but feel wrong.
  - Downsizing to pay off debt.
  - Protecting your peace over impressing people.

b. Jericho, Walls, and Speaking to Obstacles

Bartimaeus positions himself in Jericho, the place where Israel marched and the walls fell.
Dr. Bryant teaches:
- If you are truly anointed, you are obligated to go through obstacles.
- Many are trying to climb walls that God only told them to speak to.
- Examples of “walls”: criminal record, single parenthood, unfinished degree, addiction, poor money choices, cycles of bad relationships.
Declaration: “As long as you are quiet, the wall won’t move. But if you open your mouth, it’s got to come down.”
He flips the nursery rhyme:
- “This time, Humpty ain’t gonna fall—the wall will.”

c. When You Hit the Wall

Bartimaeus hits a wall:
- The government won’t help him.
- Systems have no provisions for people like him.
- The church and family are no longer responsive.
With no options left, he cries directly to Jesus, not the disciples.
Application:
- When you’re “between the devil and the deep blue sea,” you come to the place where God is your only call.
- At that point, you don’t care who thinks your worship is “too much.”

d. “I’m Trying to See Something”

Bartimaeus had heard of Jesus but never seen Him.
“I’m trying to see something” becomes the cry of the believer:
- To see Jesus restore family like Lazarus.
- To see healing like Peter’s mother-in-law.
- To see provision like the two fish and five loaves.
- To see storms calmed with “Peace, be still.”
- To see healing like the woman with the issue of blood.
Dr. Bryant shifts the room from spectators to worshipers, declaring:
- “God, show me a miracle before this year is over.”
- “Let me see something that will ignite my faith.”

He prophesies:

Turnarounds for children.
Bills paid in advance.
Enemies made into footstools.
Jobs offered that you’re not “qualified” for on paper.
Surgeries cancelled, court cases resolved in your favor.

e. Vision Over Money

When Jesus stops and calls Bartimaeus, He asks: “What do you want?”
- Bartimaeus had been begging for money, but in front of Jesus, he asks for vision.
Dr. Bryant rebukes low prayer aims:
- “Your greatest sin is not failure; your greatest sin is low aim.” (Dr. Benjamin E. Mays)
- Reducing God to “just rent” and “just a car note” is offensive when He holds all power.
The right prayer:
- “Lord, give me vision. Let me see what I’ve never seen before.”
He declares that before the day is over, God will show many a blueprint and strategy for their lives and families.

f. Tying It Back to 52: Playing Your Cards Right

When Bartimaeus receives his sight in verse 52, Dr. Bryant ties it back to:
- Ray Lewis’ jersey number 52.
- The 52 cards in a deck.
Point: You’re here because you played your cards right.
- People tried to skip you, deal you out, but God said you had what it takes and used your pain to shape you.

g. The Real Title: God Is the One “Trying to See Something”

What Bartimaeus does next is key:
- He does not start a business.
- He does not hunt down those who stepped over him.
- He follows Jesus.
Dr. Bryant reveals the twist:
- For most of the sermon, we thought we were the ones “trying to see something.”
- God says: “I want to see something.”
  - When He makes a way, heals, and delivers, He wants to see:
    - Will we trust Him?
    - Will we believe Him?
    - Will we obey and follow Him—even taking direction from a formerly blind man?

3. Justice, Community, and What We Want to See in the World

Dr. Bryant leads the church beyond personal blessings to social vision:

“I wanna see…”
- Undocumented people treated with respect.
- Veterans honored with real care.
- Senior citizens able to afford healthcare.
- Politicians stand for the people, not protect pedophiles.
- Evangelicals more loyal to Christ than to Trump.
- Corporations pay a livable wage.
- Affordable housing so people don’t have to wait decades to own property.
- Capital accessible to Black entrepreneurs.

All of this is wrapped in the prayer: “Lord, show me something.”

4. Worship, Altar Call, and Decisions for Christ

Worship moments include:
- “I Wanna See Your Glory”
- “For Your Glory I Will Do Anything”
- “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus / No Turning Back.”
A strong altar call:
- Dr. Bryant calls those who are “blind but just got their sight” — people who received vision for their future during the sermon.
- Many individuals, families, and especially men respond to salvation and membership.
- Online viewers are invited to join as well.
The house celebrates as people decide to follow Jesus with no turning back.

5. Giving, Outreach, and Impact

Dr. Bryant reminds New Birth:
- “You’re blessed to be a blessing. Your money is your missionary.”
- This ministry operates with high integrity, and giving directly impacts people who may never step into the sanctuary.
A video recap shows testimonies from community members served by New Birth’s outreach, especially The King’s Table:
- Families receiving groceries, gift cards, and support in a season of tight finances, government disruptions, and loss of benefits.
A woman who is not a member sends a $1,000 check after watching online, moved by the ministry’s impact.
The Exceedingly / Over and Above Campaign:
- Goal: $1 million to move New Birth toward becoming a debt-free ministry.
- Official Giving Day: First Sunday in December (December 7).
- Before the giving day even arrives, members have already given about $350,000, leaving $700,000 to go.
Dr. Bryant urges everyone to give “the best you can”, not equal gifts but equal sacrifice, as a tithing and generous church.

6. Marriage Blessing and Family Emphasis

Dr. Bryant acknowledges his one-year wedding anniversary with Dr. Karri Bryant, sharing a lighthearted video of their relationship and dynamic.
He then honors his father, Bishop John Bryant, who was married over 50 years to Dr. Jamal’s mother.
All married couples are asked to stand:
- Bishop Bryant prays for:
  - Romance, tenderness, gratitude.
  - Healing of marital pain.
  - Protection against division.
  - New Birth to be a “divorce-free zone.”
- The congregation (including children and singles) is asked to stretch hands toward married couples in support.

7. Announcements & Next Steps

Prayer Focus:
- Tuesday night prayer meeting (in place of group therapy) – powerful move of God anticipated.
- All-Night Prayer Lock-In on Friday: 10 PM–6 AM, “old school” style, seeking God together.
Black Friday = Black Business:
- Dr. Bryant urges intentional support for Black-owned businesses on Black Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- New Birth is converting the Sampson Family Life Center into a mall for the weekend:
  - ~100 Black vendors under one roof.
  - About 12 spaces remaining for Black business owners (in-person and online) to register via New Birth’s website.
Political Engagement:
- Acknowledgment of visiting candidates:
  - Rep. Dr. Jasmine Clark – Candidate for U.S. House, Georgia’s 13th District.
  - Erica Denise Solomon – Candidate for Georgia State Senate, District 35.
- The congregation is encouraged to be registered and engaged voters.