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Jesus Eats with Sinners
Jesus went again to the Sea of Galilee to teach. While there He passed by Levi, a tax collector, and Jesus commanded him to “follow me.” Levi did. Shortly thereafter, Jesus joined Levi at his house with many of his friends. They were described by the scribes of the Pharisees as tax collectors and sinners. Jesus saw them as individuals needing salvation. We can learn at least four principles for sharing our faith with others from this example of Levi.
The Son of Man
When Jesus refers to Himself as the Son of Man (first in Mark 2:10 and many other times in the Gospels) this title holds deep significance. Son of Man is more than just a proclamation to Christ’s humanity. It is a reference to Daniel’s vision in Daniel 7 of the Son of Man who comes with the clouds of heaven, appears before the Ancient of Days, and is granted authority to judge the nations. Jesus has the authority to forgive our sins immediately, fully, and permanently.
Jesus, the Forgiver
In Mark 2:1-12, Jesus is preaching the Word, the timeless, binding truth which sets us free. The four friends of a paralytic resolve to overcome all obstacles to bring him to Jesus. Christ first forgives the man’s sins, because the greatest need of all of us is to have our slate wiped clean: instantly, totally, and eternally. Christ then miraculously heals the paralytic, demonstrating His authority as the Son of Man, the Christ, to take away our sins.
Forgiven
In Psalm 32 King David expresses the blessedness of forgiveness. David had committed sins of which the consequences of those sins still occurred, but he received forgiveness and a restored relationship with the Father when he cried out to God. Righteousness comes through faith to us as well. It is credited to us as a gift, apart from works.
Jesus Touched Me
Miracles of physical healing by Jesus demonstrate the Lord’s compassion, His kingly power as the Messiah, and His ultimate mission to cure our sin-sick souls. Jesus was very willing to extend mercy to a leper suffering from an illness which had left him deformed and isolated. We, also, need a merciful healing from our sin problem. Reach out in faith and obtain mercy and cleansing.
A Praying Life
Jesus commands us to pray, encourages us that our prayers will be answered, and gives us His Spirit to help us pray. But before any of those, Jesus set the example of how to pray. For Christ, prayer was a habit, and expression of His loving relationship with the Father, and a necessity in order for the work of God to be accomplished. Like Christ, let us “pray without ceasing.”
Our Lord’s Authority
The first chapter of Mark focuses on the identity of Jesus. Jesus is revealed to be the Christ, the Son of God, the Lord, and the King. In verses 21-28, Christ’s power and authority is demonstrated as He preaches truth and exorcises an evil spirit. The enemy is no match for the Almighty God.
Following Jesus
Jesus calls His disciples to make a deliberate choice to follow Him personally, closely, humbly, courageously, daily, and publicly. He will enable us to make Him known to others, telling them of His grace.
Repent and Believe — Now!
Mark 1:14-15 marks a turning point in history when Jesus proclaims, “The time has come.” Israel had been waiting for the Messiah for thousands of years, the Promised One who would suffer and die for our sins and bring deliverance from sin. Our response to the sacrificial death of Christ on our behalf should be one of repentance and faith, awe and worship.
Our Lord’s Baptism
Mark 1:9-11 describes the baptism of Jesus in specific fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 53:10, Isaiah 64:1, Isaiah 61:l-2, and Isaiah 42:1-4). Each member of the Trinity is present at this baptism. Jesus enters the water, the Father affirms that Jesus is His eternal Son, and the Holy Spirit descends to authenticate and empower Christ. In a similar way each member of the Trinity is intimately, personally, redemptively working for you and your salvation every day.
The Greatest Prophet
John the Baptist was the prophet who ushered in the new era of the Messiah. His message was a call to genuine repentance that leads to a changed life. He was humble before the almighty Christ. John foretold that Jesus the Messiah would give the Holy Spirit to His followers to enable them to walk in His ways.
The Beginning of the Gospel
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Mark 1:1 (ESV) Why do we want to study the Gospel of Mark? Let’s study the book of Mark to know the Lord Jesus better, to be drawn into a closer relationship with Him, to have a deepening love for Him.
Celebrating Christmas
At Christmas, we celebrate the arrival of Emmanuel, God with us. The shepherds responded to this good news delivered by the angels by believing the message and acting on it. Mary worshipped and pondered in her heart all that had been told to her about Jesus. Let us celebrate Christ’s birth by first coming to faith in Christ. Then let us tell others the Good News of salvation, meditate on Jesus and treasure Hime, and praise God for sending our Savior.
In the Fields of Bethlehem
The first people to hear the Advent message were shepherds, a group considered in the culture of that day to be untrustworthy outcasts. The shepherds were terrified as they saw a glimpse of divine holiness and might. But the angel spoke with the reassuring message, “Fear not.” The good news for all people presented by the angel is a message of forgiveness and great joy. The High King of Heaven came into our world to bring grace. He is Emmanuel, God with us.
A Birth in Bethlehem
The account of the birth of Jesus in Luke 2:1-7 reveals much about three attributes and the character of God. God is sovereign: the mighty emperor of the Roman empire became the unwitting servant of God to fulfill prophecy (Micah 5:2). God is faithful: every detail foretold concerning the birth of the Messiah came to pass. God is humble: Christ came to our world, to seek and save the lost.
Give Thanks
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 (ESV) We are reminded often to be thankful in Colossians. Although God does not need our thanks, we benefit from being thankful. It is important to remember our own helplessness and dependence on God for everything that we have, especially the salvation which we have received as an unearned gift.
Christ-centered Community
Colossians 3:15-17 sets forth how we can live Christ-centered, Christ-exalting lives in Christian community. We should live in peace with one another because we have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. God’s Word is to dwell in our hearts, and we should teach, encourage and exhort one another. All that we do should honor the name of Christ.
Christlike Virtues
Spiritual clothing matters—we are to clothe ourselves with the virtues listed in Colossians 3:12-14 imitating the character of Jesus Christ before a watching world. We do this because of who we are in Christ: “God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved,” enabled by the Holy Spirit. Our position in Christ serves both as a motivation to display these virtues and also as a source of hopefulness that we will be able to follow Jesus in this way.
Wise Walk – Gracious Talk
Colossians 4:5-6 reminds us to be wise in our lifestyle before a watching world, truly caring for others and honoring the Lord in all things. This type of admirable, attractive conduct should lead to opportunities for outreach. Pray for such opportunities and for wisdom to share our convictions graciously and with respect.
Vigilant Prayer
Prayer should be like a constantly flowing river— a natural undercurrent in our lives. We are to be devoted (standing at the ready), watchful (vigilant), and thankful (recognizing all things come from God). Prayer and outreach are connected so remember that “prayer is the primary work of God’s people.” and pray for open doors and clarity of speech.