Our expectations often shape what we see—and what we fail to see. In this sermon, Rev. David Buchs explores how the disciples’ fixed expectations left them blind to Jesus’ mission, while blind Bartimaeus saw clearly enough to cry out for mercy. True faith begins not with certainty, but with honesty about our weakness and a bold trust in Christ’s compassion. Sunday Worship – February 15, 2026 (Quinquagesima) Grace Lutheran Church | Little Rock, Arkansas Key themes in this sermon include: • How false expectations can blind us to God’s work • Bartimaeus as a model of faith that asks for mercy • Why Jesus invites us to name our weakness aloud • Love, blindness, and mercy in light of 1 Corinthians 13 #LutheranSermon #ChristianPodcast #JesusChrist #Faith #Mercy #GraceLutheranLittleRock #LittleRockChurch #ArkansasFaith #LawAndGospel #SundaySermon #ChristianTeaching