#188
Introduction: As we continue studying Mark, we see Jesus in action, plain and simple. In this chapter we see the healing of the man with palsy, calling of Matthew and ministry to sinners. We see the first parable in Mark's writing. Jesus explains what Sabbath really is.
I. The man with palsy is brought to Jesus.
A. When Jesus came back to Capernaum, His fame followed.
1. Such a crowd, all doors were blocked.
2. Jesus began to preach the Word to the crowd.
B. Four men with persistent faith
1. These four men were carrying the man with palsy on his bed.
2. No way into the house because of the crowd
3. They went up on the roof and removed tiles above Jesus.
4. They lowered him into the presence of Jesus.
5. Jesus saw their faith and persistent.
C. Jesus reacted to their faith by saying:
1. "Son, thy sins be forgiven thee." Vs. 5
2. Even today there is opposition to God's miracles.
3. Vs. 6-7 Someone always doubts.
D. Jesus response to the opposition Vs. 8-10.
1. Healing the man with palsy Vs. 11.
2. He took up his bed and walked out. Vs. 12.
II. The calling of Levi or Matthew Vs. 13-14.
A. It was a very simple call, just "Follow Me".
1. Note that there was an immediate response.
2. Very possible that Matthew had seen and heard Jesus teach.
3. He could have been present when the man with palsy was healed.
4. Matthew takes care of his business and invites Jesus and others to a feast. Vs. 15
5. Sinners and publicans were present along with the scribes and Pharisees. Vs. 16
6. This is where Jesus stated His mission. Vs. 17
B. Because of His stand, many doors were closed to Him.
1. His mission and call was to preach, and preach He must.
2. For us, faithfulness and obedience to His call are the needs of the hour.
III. Jesus answers questions about fasting. Vs. 18-20
A. The disciples of John and the Pharisees were actually fasting at that time.
1. The religious Jews fasted twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays.
2. John's disciples fasted for a reason, to seek God's presence.
3. Especially now because John was in prison.
B. The big question arises, Why Jesus did not teach His disciples fasting?
1. Jesus does teach and observe fasting, but in the right way.
2. The presence of Jesus brings joy. Vs. 19
3. No need to fast when the presence and joy of Jesus fills a life.
C. Jesus says, "I am launching a new marriage of people to God."
1. 1 am the bridegroom, the Son of God Himself.
2. My disciples are the friends of the Bridegroom.
3. A wedding is joyful, not a sad occasion.
4. My presence brings joy, not sadness to those who follow me.
5. Thought: Christ is the secret to life and the joy in life. Christ can change a life and bring joy to the heart.
D. Jesus Christ brings a seeking life. Vs. 20
1. Despite His presence now, He was going to be taken away.
2. "Taken away" refers to the cross.
3. Once He had died, the disciples would fast. "They would seek Him, seek the joy and consciousness of His presence."
4. Two times Jesus said His followers would need to fast.
a. When His presence was removed.
b. When His presence is especially needed, a special manifestation, a special empowering.
5. Fasting and intense prayer draws God close to the believer.
IV. Reformation, Regeneration, Restoration Vs. 21
A. Christ Jesus brings a NEW LIFE.
1. Jesus is not just a patch on an old garment.
2. He is not out to reform an old religion or an old life.
3. His life is a complete new way of life.
4. A new day, not one of patching up the old
5. Not a time to reform, but form, restore, generate a new life.
B. A new creation, the life of new believers. Vs. 22
1. New wineskins were elastic and pliable.
2. Old skins were hardened and would not expand. [Typical]
3. A man will die in an old garment or wine skin unless he comes to Jesus for a new beginning.
4. Programs, methods, organizations and even religion will die without Christ.
5. Remember, we are to struggle against becoming set and fixed in our own ways.
6. We are to be elastic, expanding and adventuresome in life.
V. The Sabbath are not rules and regulations.
A. The disciple picked and ate some grain. Vs. 23
1. They had broken ceremonial law
2. Ceremonial law forbids work on the Sabbath.
3. Picking the ears of corn was considered work
B. Jesus judged the disciple's action as acceptable.
1. Jesus knew the law, but food for His disciples was important.
2. Jesus taught that religion in all its ritual and ceremony is not to be all rules and regulations.
3. God ordained a day of rest and called it Sabbath.
4. Man's permanent need is to worship and rest one day a week
C. David and his men ate the bread from the Table of Shewbread.
1. Food was needed more than ceremonial law.
2. Sabbath is to serve man, not to master him.
3. Our first duty is to worship God and serve Him.
4. Hebrews 10:25, Exodus 20:8
Conclusion: In this chapter we see Jesus doing what He was called to do, healing the sick, calling disciples and teaching. In all these instances, He is dealing with the inner man, spirit, soul and body.