Mark 2- Lord of The Sabbath Part 1

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And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn. And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful? And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him? Mark 2:23-25

One of the great debates still in Christianity is the Sabbath, should Christians still keep the Sabbath? Was the Sabbath abolished? Jesus addresses the Sabbath and shows how it pertains to the New Covenant. The first thing to note, is Jesus never commanded us anywhere to “Keep the Sabbath in the New Covenant”. The Sabbath was a sign of the Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 31:13) Any Christian who says “You need to Keep the Sabbath” challenge them where this is in Jesus or the Apostles teachings!

We see in this story, the Sabbath being broken. The Pharisees try to charge Jesus with breaking the Sabbath, which is ironic because as Jesus reveals to us he is the “Lord of The Sabbath”. Jesus gives an example of David breaking the Sabbath, eating the showbread while he was hungry, which was unlawful in the Torah

Why didn’t the Pharisees condemn David for this? Jesus is trying to show how hypocritical the Pharisees are, they want to condemn Christ but say nothing about David. 

How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him? And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath Mark 2:26-28

Was David a High Priest? No therefore he broke the Torah laws yet was never condemned by the Pharisees. But yet they want to condemn Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, is this righteous judgement? No , Jesus also revealed “The Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath” God created the Sabbath as a sign for Israel to separate from the rest of the world, also to provide physical and spiritual rest. However the religious leaders took this Law and made it a yoke that nobody could  carry or maintain.

Jesus made another statement “The Son of Man is Lord of The Sabbath” How could Jesus fulfill the Sabbath? Easy, he is the Lord of the Sabbath, as he is the Lord of everything! If you want to keep the Sabbath, go ahead but don’t use it as a yoke or stumbling block for other believers. Through Christ we are no longer under the law but under grace (Romans 6:14)

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

The word Sabbath means Rest, the only way to find Rest is in Jesus Christ! Jesus is your Sabbath , Amen!

Mark 2- Jesus Friend of Sinners

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And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. Mark 2:13-14

Here we see Jesus calling one of his disciples, Levi, wait who is Levi? Matthew is the greek translation of the name Levi. Its interesting because the name Levi actually derived from the priesthood name of Leviticus. It is possible Matthew came from the Levitical priest line , we don’t really know , but oh how the mighty have fallen

As you know Matthew (Levi) was a tax collector, the most disgraceful occupation an orthodox Jew could possess. Not only did Matthew work for the Roman Empire, but extorted taxes from his own persecuted people. Matthew was viewed as wicked as Caesar himself

But notice what Jesus did, he called this wretched tax collector, and not only provided him salvation, but made him an Apostle! This is the power of the gospel, this is what the blood of Christ can do, bring us alive from our trespasses and give us a new heart and new name!

And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? Mark 2: 15-16

Jesus came to set the captives free! This is a central message of the gospel story, notice it says “many followed him” Jesus took the people society threw away and made them born again! The religious people wouldn’t even associate with these people, but the power of the gospel can transform anyone!

One thing we want to point out, even though Jesus associated with sinners to save them, he never sinned with them! Alot of people like to justify their sinful lifestyle by pointing out Jesus associated with him. Jesus came to call for repentance (Mark 1:15)

When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Mark 2:17

Jesus is the Great Physician, there is no other way to be made well except through Jesus Christ, why? Because we are dead in our sins (Ephesians 1), Jesus is the only one who can make us Born Again (John 3) 

If Jesus can save and use a wretched sinner like Matthew, he can save and use you also! Answer your calling and follow Jesus! Amen!

Mark 2- Through The Roof

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And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. Mark 2:2-4

To what extreme would you go to get to Jesus? Many people won’t even go to Church if it’s too cold outside or they don’t like somebody, but here we see a paralyzed man determined to get to Jesus. He can’t walk , so he had four men carry him. There was no room in the building so they lowered him through the roof, talk about determination to see The Lord

Why was this paralyzed man so determined to get to Jesus? Because he had faith, he knew that Jesus was the only one who could save him! Do you believe that? Do you have this determined faith to get to Jesus?

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? Mark 2:5-7

Jesus did a couple of amazing things here, first he healed the man when he saw the man’s faith. Notice its by his faith in Christ that he became healed, this is the same for our salvation. Its by our faith in Jesus that we become saved, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins on the cross

Secondly Jesus makes a shocking statement “Your sins are forgiven” who does he think he is? Only God can forgive sin, says the scribes in attendance reasoning in their hearts. The fact is those who reject the deity of Jesus, how do you reason this in your heart. How can Jesus forgive sin unless he is God in the flesh?  This is why the religious leaders accused Jesus of blasphemy, he was revealing his deity here!

And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house Mark 2:8-11

Jesus knew the thoughts of the religious leaders, and challenged them “Why do you believe these things in your hearts”? Why do you reject Christ? Is it because your man made religion? Is it because receiving Christ is going to cost you something? Jesus demonstrated he can do both, he can heal or forgive sins, because he is the Son of God

So he instructed the paralyzed man “Arise and go walk” Jesus is healing and forgiving you today also saying “Arise, get up”! 

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. Mark 2:12

“We have never seen anything like this before” said the people who witnessed this event. This is a demonstration of the New Covenant, a better and more powerful covenant, Jesus came to set the captives free! Amen!

Mark 1- The Leper

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And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. Mark 1:40-41

Leprosy was a major issue during the 1rst Century, when someone contracted leprosy it was almost a death sentence. Not only was it a painful disease but that person was cast out of society. They were no longer allowed to be a member of normal society because of their uncleanliness. So when the Leper approached Jesus, the disciples were probably in horror, they wouldn’t want their Lord and Teacher to contract this disease.

But notice Jesus’ reaction, when Jesus saw the man he was “moved with compassion”. He didn’t reject the man or stay away from him. In fact Jesus “touched” the man and healed the man instantly. Imagine the faith it took for the Leper to come to Jesus and ask to be healed?

It says in the scripture, the man was beseeching or begging Jesus to heal him! Are you beseeching Jesus? Are you crying out for the Lord to make you clean?

And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. Mark 1:42-44

Notice it was the mans faith in Christ that healed him, there was no magic words or made up ceremonies, as soon as the man professed his faith in Jesus, he was healed. This is the same with our salvation, there is no check box of works to become saved, when you  profess your faith in Christ, you are saved. The works have been finished by Jesus on the cross, It Is Finished

But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter. Mark 1:45

Jesus instructed the man to show himself to the priests, as a requirement of the Torah, however the man instead was telling everyone about Jesus! The Torah never saved anyone, only Christ can save you! The Torah brings death and judgement, Jesus brought life and salvation

What has Jesus done for you today? Are you telling anyone? How is your faith in Christ? Have the faith of the Leper man and you will be cleansed Amen!

Mark 1- A Better Covenant

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And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. Mark 1:21-24

The New Covenant is now coming, Jesus is about to demonstrate the power and authority of the New Covenant, as it is a Better Covenant made with Better Promises (Hebrews 8:6) When Jesus began preaching in the synagogue, they were amazed at his teachings, why? Because Jesus is the Living Word of God (John 1:1) What they are hearing is not mans interpretation but directly from God

Second notice the demon addressed Jesus as the Holy One of God, this is a Messianic title, (Psalm 16:10) the demon was actually affirming that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and he affirmed Jesus power and authority by saying “Have you come to destroy us”? The demon knew Jesus is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Christ, the Son of God!

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.  And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. Mark 1:25-27

Jesus rebuked the demon and commanded it to come out of the man, everyone was astonished, why? Because up until this point nobody has exercised a demon before, think about all the prophets of the Old Testament, nobody has ever had power and authority over demons except Jesus, why? Because he is the Lord of Lords, the Christ , the Son of God

I believe this is also a demonstration of the New Covenant, a Better and more powerful covenant , an eternal covenant with better promises! What new doctrine is this? The people asked, its the New Covenant, its the Word became Flesh and living among us (John 1:14)

And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee. Mark 1:28

The gospel of Jesus Christ spread like wild fire, why? Because Christ demonstrated his power over sin, death, and hell. The New Covenant has come, and Jesus has come to set the captives Free Amen!

Mark 1- Baptism of Christ

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And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Mark 1:9-11

Often we hear people say “The Bible never mentions the Trinity of God” well here in our gospel story today, we see the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit all coming together at the Baptism of Christ. The Son being baptized in the water, as an example for us, the Holy Spirit descending like a dove on the Son, and the Father declaring “Jesus is his beloved Son”!

One question may arise, why did Jesus need to be baptized? I believe Jesus did this as an example for us, Jesus has never asked us to do anything that he hasn’t already done! The baptism of Christ, is like a kick start to his ministry which would eventually lead to the cross and then the tomb. Everything Jesus did was for a purpose, it wasn’t necessarily done for his benefit, but for our learning and understanding

Just as the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit came together at Creation, they come together at the formation of the New Covenant, to redeem humanity from the penalty of their sin

And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.  Mark 1:12-13

Next Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit. This was a 40 day period of fasting and testing. Satan tempted The Lord day and night, to try and get him to sin, but the sinless Lamb of God would never submit to Satan and overcame him , just as Christ finally defeated Satan at the cross!

 Finally when Jesus passed his test, he was comforted by the angels. Just as it is written in Psalm 91 “The angels will keep guard over you” (Psalm 91:11) The same scripture Satan tried to use to deceive Jesus , was fulfilled as Satan’s defeat!

The ministry of Christ has now begun, and will deliver us from the slavery of sin and death forever! Amen!