Mark 2:1-12
"Word, Work And Worship." • 9.20.09 • Kingsfield Church Sunday Morning
Intro
- When you hear the word "Capernaum," I'm fairly certain that little comes to your mind. It doesn't mean much to us, except that we think that it might be one of those Bible cities.
- In that we would be correct. It lay on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, today a ruin, and in the first century, it was the hometown of a man named Peter.
- Yeah, that Peter! The disciple of Jesus Christ, who frequented the town and was often a guest in Peter's home. Whenever Jesus showed up, you knew a great story was about to emerge.
- Apparently, everyone in town also knew that this was the case.
• Mark 2:1,2a : "And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door."
- There was excitement. Jesus had come back after some days. The last time Jesus was here, Mark 1:33 tells us that "the whole city was gathered together at the door."
- They came and brought the diseased and the demon possessed. Jesus healed them there in Peter's home. Then, just a few days later, He healed a leper. An undeniable, incredible work.
- That loud mouthed leper praise forced Jesus out of town, but He still had work to do in Capernaum. When the furor had died down, He was able to return.
- it wasn't long before it was heard that He was in the house. Capernaum being a small town, rarely had anything exciting happen. But this was Jesus.
- Immediately, there was a crowd and this time, even the door was backed up! People were standing on their tip-toes, the next line on their neighbor's backs.
- This is the scene of an incredible time and certainly unique, in that Jesus was present physically in this place.
- But what happens here in this story, in principle, is not lost in time. What we are about to observe is a phenomena that continues today.
- It happens again and again, when Jesus Christ is the invited guest into a life, a home, a car or a job. When He is the one who dwells richly with you, these things become a part of your story.
- What happens when Jesus is given the keys? What takes place when He is "in the house?" These things will follow. We'll see...
- Granted, He preached what He wrote and He preached better than all before or since.
- Charles Spurgeon called Jesus, the "Prince of preachers!" The people who heard Him, heard a unique presentation for their day, saying of Him that He spoke with authority.
- Its the same Word, entrusted to His people, inspired by His Holy Spirit, who gives it power to be applied to lives today, that opens the door for transformative work.
- Speaking of the nature of His Words in Luke 21 Jesus said...
• Luke 21:33 : "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away."
- We will never be as eloquent as Jesus. We can never hope to be as well versed in the subject as the Author. However, we have the same tool and the same Spirit indwelling within us.
- Turn with me to John 16. Jesus is about to leave His disciples. He is about to be crucified. His disciples are concerned, and rightfully so, about their development and what they will now do.
• John 16:13-15 : "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you."
- God has provided us with His Holy Spirit, who gives us divine power to speak God's Word.
- Turn with me to II Corinthians 5. Paul is speaking about the mission of reconciliation and makes this statement:
• II Corinthians 5:20 : "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God."
- In a very real way, God still speaks to people in our lives through our declaration of His Word! This eternal treasure is ours not to hold alone, but to preach. What does that look like?
- Today, in a world filled with sub-cultural opinions, sometimes it's difficult to distinguish. It's rare that one says anymore, "The Word says." Part of that is neglect and ignorance.
- According to one study I read this week, 92% of American households own on average, 3 Bibles. Of that 92%, 59% confess to reading it only occassionally. Of that 59%, 42% are women. And of course, we realize that 63% of all statistics are made up!
- But the truth cannot be denied. The Word of God yields the power to transform lives. If we invite Jesus to be the tenant of our souls, then the Word must be preached!
- What does it look like for you to preach the word? Standing on your living room table, megaphone in hand, scream at the people you have invited into your home, "REPENT!"
- Or as you talk with them, declare God's truth about every topic that comes up. Speak as though what God has taught you is of vital importance, to you and also to them.
- One thing about preaching the word that must be understood: We are not inviting an argument; We are declaring something that is true that we have come to believe and trust in.
- Jesus opened His mouth and the Word came forth. The same should be said of us.
- You are completely unaware of what is happening around you. Meanwhile, out side the house, 4 men have labored for some time, carrying a paralyzed man to Peter's house.
- Nobody seems to have the courtesy to simply move out of the way! Their way is blocked.
- "But this man needs Jesus more than any of them!" they speak among themselves. This is a moment of desperation. They have no choice. He must go before Jesus.
- It's thought that this paralyzed man had not been in this condition long and that these friends had fresh memories of a better time.
- Their dedication to him and the cause of getting Him to Jesus is remarkable. They did not take "no" for an answer. They did not fall back at the first sign of defeat.
- They scanned the house, a normal Jewish home from their standards, which meant that the flat roof was made of an admixture of clay and dirt.
- They brought the man up. Notice this phrase in verse 4: "When they had broken through!" They tore the materials away, and physically created an opening.
- Spiritually, there are other implications. The paralytics of the world around us are helpless to come to Jesus alone. One can look at someone without Jesus as a paralytic.
- They are paralyzed in sin and rebellious in their hearts against God. They need to be brought to Jesus, who alone can heal their condition.
- But Christians can also be paralyzed as well. Paralyzed in spirit by fear or doubt. Paralyzed in their decision making process. Paralyzed by guilt.
- Friends who see such need, must know that the answer to their paralysis, is Jesus Christ. And the best friends are the ones who keep going until they break through!
- These men had to scratch and claw and rip and tear. What physically happened here is illustrative of what must take place spiritually if an opening will come.
- If they had been Christians today, they might have given up after the first layer revealed another layer! "What there is more dirt!?"
- The heart of God is moved by persistent hearts that seeks Him until He is found!
• Mark 2:5-9 : When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven you.' And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 'Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?' But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, 'Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk'? : I love this phrase in verse 5. When Jesus saw their faith. There was no guesswork. He had seen the genuine article as their behavior proved their belief.
- This man was paralyzed, but that paralysis pales in comparison to the power of Jesus Christ! These men knew that and they believed, maybe even believing for this man.
- I imagine Jesus smiling as he saw this, as nothing pleases Him more than when we thoroughly, against all odds trust Him.
- Jesus' first words to the paralytic may have seemed a bit out of place to our minds, and to the minds of these men: Son, your sins are forgiven you.
- I always picture one of the four guys, not being exceptionally intelligent, saying something like, "No, we brought him to you because he's paralyzed!"
- Jesus responded to the more important need.
˚ "Forgiveness is the greatest miracle that Jesus ever performs. It meets the greatest need; it costs the greatest price; and it brings the greatest blessing and the most lasting results."
- Instead of that relationship, He makes us content! Before long, the issue that paralyzed us is now almost an afterthought! Jesus forgave this man's sins and he knew that this was the best news.
- These words rung in the house and echoed deeply into the minds that were present, trying to grasp this situation.
- The religious people were scandalized: Only God can forgive sins! They were right about this, but they did not know why!
- Jesus throws down the gauntlet and says, "Which is easier to say: Your sins are forgiven or Get up!" I would think that we would all agree that saying that someone's sins are forgiven would be easy to say, as that would not necessarily require much in the way of visual proof!
- The other would be exponentially more difficult! Both are difficult and both can only be done by God's hand, especially at that time in history when technology meant warm towels and leaches!
- Jesus finishes His illustration.
• Mark 2:10-12a : But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"--He said to the paralytic, 'I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.' Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all..." "That you may know." Who may know? Those scandalized religious people, paralyzed themselves by their own disbelief.
- Jesus would now demonstrate His power in the one realm, in order to prove that His power could extend to the other.
- Jesus, displaying the power of God the Creator, simply addresses the paralytic. He speaks to Him. He commands that something happen, and just like Genesis chapter 1, it happens!
- Immediately. No delay. Transformation. Miracle! Don't miss this: HE GOT UP!
- How long had he been down? There's no way to know and it's irrelevant anyway. The fact is He was down and he had not been able to get up until Jesus said something.
- I want to encourage you: Jesus still does this! He speaks to a heart and there is transformation. Friends that have been unresponsive are suddenly excited about what God is doing!
- Spouses that were once defiant, are now deflated and humbled before God when He speaks to their heart!
- Brothers and sisters in the Lord, once worried and paralyzed by fear, are freed in the presence of Christ's assuring Word to them! If it is to happen, God still has the power to work!
• Mark 2:12b : "so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, 'We never saw anything like this!'" : When Jesus is invited into a situation, whether it be a home or a breakfast table at Denny's, the Word will be preached, the Work will be done and Worship will ensue!
- Those who saw this miracle were all amazed. Understatement of the century!
- Literally, the word "amazed" means that they were mentally displaced. They were beside themselves. They were out of their minds!
- We have seen this. Whenever Criss Angel or David Blaine perform a magic trick, people standing by freak out! They are blown away, not having the ability to explain what has happened!
- The difference though is that when Jesus does something in someone's life, people are amazed and they give glory to God! What does that mean?
- The word "glory," as I understand it, refers to weight. In the days of the Bible, value was measured in weights and balances. Your currency would be weighed against the value weight of the proprietor.
- When I give glory to God then, the sense as I perceive it, is that we are adding weight to our side of the equation. Jesus has become that much more valuable to us!
- You will never see me more thankful and filled with worship than when I get to participate in something miraculous that Jesus does! I will sing His praises the loudest when I see such things.
- When I watch a man surrender his life to Jesus, it's a miracle and glory is added to God. - When a couple is reconciled from the darkest of paths, God is glorified!
- When a friend is freed from the chains that bind him emotionally, praise God!
- I love what the song of the day was: "We never saw anything like this!"
- When Jesus works, that's the way it is. Constant moments of re-occuring, jaw dropping awe! It's the continuous discovery of wide eyed wonder!
Conclusion
- I want to ask if you still believe? Do you believe enough to open your mouth and preach, letting your mouth become the vehicle through which the God of heaven speaks!?
- Do you believe enough to drag that friend, co-worker to Jesus Christ, so that He can do the work of transformation? If you will, He will be worshipped and you will be in awe!
"Word, Work And Worship." • 9.20.09 • Kingsfield Church Sunday Morning
Intro
- When you hear the word "Capernaum," I'm fairly certain that little comes to your mind. It doesn't mean much to us, except that we think that it might be one of those Bible cities.
- In that we would be correct. It lay on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, today a ruin, and in the first century, it was the hometown of a man named Peter.
- Yeah, that Peter! The disciple of Jesus Christ, who frequented the town and was often a guest in Peter's home. Whenever Jesus showed up, you knew a great story was about to emerge.
- Apparently, everyone in town also knew that this was the case.
• Mark 2:1,2a : "And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door."
- There was excitement. Jesus had come back after some days. The last time Jesus was here, Mark 1:33 tells us that "the whole city was gathered together at the door."
- They came and brought the diseased and the demon possessed. Jesus healed them there in Peter's home. Then, just a few days later, He healed a leper. An undeniable, incredible work.
- That loud mouthed leper praise forced Jesus out of town, but He still had work to do in Capernaum. When the furor had died down, He was able to return.
- it wasn't long before it was heard that He was in the house. Capernaum being a small town, rarely had anything exciting happen. But this was Jesus.
- Immediately, there was a crowd and this time, even the door was backed up! People were standing on their tip-toes, the next line on their neighbor's backs.
- This is the scene of an incredible time and certainly unique, in that Jesus was present physically in this place.
- But what happens here in this story, in principle, is not lost in time. What we are about to observe is a phenomena that continues today.
- It happens again and again, when Jesus Christ is the invited guest into a life, a home, a car or a job. When He is the one who dwells richly with you, these things become a part of your story.
- What happens when Jesus is given the keys? What takes place when He is "in the house?" These things will follow. We'll see...
I. What Is Declared (v.2)
II. What Is Done (v.3-12a)
III. What is Determined (v.12b)
TextII. What Is Done (v.3-12a)
III. What is Determined (v.12b)
I. What Is Declared (v.2)
• Mark 2:2b : "And He preached the word to them." Jesus preached the word to them. He declared Father God's heart and intention for human lives, to human beings.- Granted, He preached what He wrote and He preached better than all before or since.
- Charles Spurgeon called Jesus, the "Prince of preachers!" The people who heard Him, heard a unique presentation for their day, saying of Him that He spoke with authority.
- Its the same Word, entrusted to His people, inspired by His Holy Spirit, who gives it power to be applied to lives today, that opens the door for transformative work.
- Speaking of the nature of His Words in Luke 21 Jesus said...
• Luke 21:33 : "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away."
- We will never be as eloquent as Jesus. We can never hope to be as well versed in the subject as the Author. However, we have the same tool and the same Spirit indwelling within us.
- Turn with me to John 16. Jesus is about to leave His disciples. He is about to be crucified. His disciples are concerned, and rightfully so, about their development and what they will now do.
• John 16:13-15 : "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you."
- God has provided us with His Holy Spirit, who gives us divine power to speak God's Word.
- Turn with me to II Corinthians 5. Paul is speaking about the mission of reconciliation and makes this statement:
• II Corinthians 5:20 : "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God."
- In a very real way, God still speaks to people in our lives through our declaration of His Word! This eternal treasure is ours not to hold alone, but to preach. What does that look like?
- Today, in a world filled with sub-cultural opinions, sometimes it's difficult to distinguish. It's rare that one says anymore, "The Word says." Part of that is neglect and ignorance.
- According to one study I read this week, 92% of American households own on average, 3 Bibles. Of that 92%, 59% confess to reading it only occassionally. Of that 59%, 42% are women. And of course, we realize that 63% of all statistics are made up!
- But the truth cannot be denied. The Word of God yields the power to transform lives. If we invite Jesus to be the tenant of our souls, then the Word must be preached!
- What does it look like for you to preach the word? Standing on your living room table, megaphone in hand, scream at the people you have invited into your home, "REPENT!"
- Or as you talk with them, declare God's truth about every topic that comes up. Speak as though what God has taught you is of vital importance, to you and also to them.
- One thing about preaching the word that must be understood: We are not inviting an argument; We are declaring something that is true that we have come to believe and trust in.
- Jesus opened His mouth and the Word came forth. The same should be said of us.
II. What Is Done (v.3-12a)
• Mark 2:3,4 : "Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. : Imagine this scene. You are in the house hanging onto every word that is coming out of Jesus' mouth.- You are completely unaware of what is happening around you. Meanwhile, out side the house, 4 men have labored for some time, carrying a paralyzed man to Peter's house.
- Nobody seems to have the courtesy to simply move out of the way! Their way is blocked.
- "But this man needs Jesus more than any of them!" they speak among themselves. This is a moment of desperation. They have no choice. He must go before Jesus.
- It's thought that this paralyzed man had not been in this condition long and that these friends had fresh memories of a better time.
- Their dedication to him and the cause of getting Him to Jesus is remarkable. They did not take "no" for an answer. They did not fall back at the first sign of defeat.
- They scanned the house, a normal Jewish home from their standards, which meant that the flat roof was made of an admixture of clay and dirt.
- They brought the man up. Notice this phrase in verse 4: "When they had broken through!" They tore the materials away, and physically created an opening.
- Spiritually, there are other implications. The paralytics of the world around us are helpless to come to Jesus alone. One can look at someone without Jesus as a paralytic.
- They are paralyzed in sin and rebellious in their hearts against God. They need to be brought to Jesus, who alone can heal their condition.
- But Christians can also be paralyzed as well. Paralyzed in spirit by fear or doubt. Paralyzed in their decision making process. Paralyzed by guilt.
- Friends who see such need, must know that the answer to their paralysis, is Jesus Christ. And the best friends are the ones who keep going until they break through!
- These men had to scratch and claw and rip and tear. What physically happened here is illustrative of what must take place spiritually if an opening will come.
- If they had been Christians today, they might have given up after the first layer revealed another layer! "What there is more dirt!?"
- The heart of God is moved by persistent hearts that seeks Him until He is found!
• Mark 2:5-9 : When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven you.' And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 'Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?' But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, 'Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk'? : I love this phrase in verse 5. When Jesus saw their faith. There was no guesswork. He had seen the genuine article as their behavior proved their belief.
- This man was paralyzed, but that paralysis pales in comparison to the power of Jesus Christ! These men knew that and they believed, maybe even believing for this man.
- I imagine Jesus smiling as he saw this, as nothing pleases Him more than when we thoroughly, against all odds trust Him.
- Jesus' first words to the paralytic may have seemed a bit out of place to our minds, and to the minds of these men: Son, your sins are forgiven you.
- I always picture one of the four guys, not being exceptionally intelligent, saying something like, "No, we brought him to you because he's paralyzed!"
- Jesus responded to the more important need.
˚ "Forgiveness is the greatest miracle that Jesus ever performs. It meets the greatest need; it costs the greatest price; and it brings the greatest blessing and the most lasting results."
Warren Wiersbe
- It's interesting to me how God does this. We want to see Him answer our petition as we have laid it out. However, instead of giving us that job, He gives us peace.- Instead of that relationship, He makes us content! Before long, the issue that paralyzed us is now almost an afterthought! Jesus forgave this man's sins and he knew that this was the best news.
- These words rung in the house and echoed deeply into the minds that were present, trying to grasp this situation.
- The religious people were scandalized: Only God can forgive sins! They were right about this, but they did not know why!
- Jesus throws down the gauntlet and says, "Which is easier to say: Your sins are forgiven or Get up!" I would think that we would all agree that saying that someone's sins are forgiven would be easy to say, as that would not necessarily require much in the way of visual proof!
- The other would be exponentially more difficult! Both are difficult and both can only be done by God's hand, especially at that time in history when technology meant warm towels and leaches!
- Jesus finishes His illustration.
• Mark 2:10-12a : But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"--He said to the paralytic, 'I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.' Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all..." "That you may know." Who may know? Those scandalized religious people, paralyzed themselves by their own disbelief.
- Jesus would now demonstrate His power in the one realm, in order to prove that His power could extend to the other.
- Jesus, displaying the power of God the Creator, simply addresses the paralytic. He speaks to Him. He commands that something happen, and just like Genesis chapter 1, it happens!
- Immediately. No delay. Transformation. Miracle! Don't miss this: HE GOT UP!
- How long had he been down? There's no way to know and it's irrelevant anyway. The fact is He was down and he had not been able to get up until Jesus said something.
- I want to encourage you: Jesus still does this! He speaks to a heart and there is transformation. Friends that have been unresponsive are suddenly excited about what God is doing!
- Spouses that were once defiant, are now deflated and humbled before God when He speaks to their heart!
- Brothers and sisters in the Lord, once worried and paralyzed by fear, are freed in the presence of Christ's assuring Word to them! If it is to happen, God still has the power to work!
III. What is Determined (v.12b)
• Mark 2:12b : "so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, 'We never saw anything like this!'" : When Jesus is invited into a situation, whether it be a home or a breakfast table at Denny's, the Word will be preached, the Work will be done and Worship will ensue!
- Those who saw this miracle were all amazed. Understatement of the century!
- Literally, the word "amazed" means that they were mentally displaced. They were beside themselves. They were out of their minds!
- We have seen this. Whenever Criss Angel or David Blaine perform a magic trick, people standing by freak out! They are blown away, not having the ability to explain what has happened!
- The difference though is that when Jesus does something in someone's life, people are amazed and they give glory to God! What does that mean?
- The word "glory," as I understand it, refers to weight. In the days of the Bible, value was measured in weights and balances. Your currency would be weighed against the value weight of the proprietor.
- When I give glory to God then, the sense as I perceive it, is that we are adding weight to our side of the equation. Jesus has become that much more valuable to us!
- You will never see me more thankful and filled with worship than when I get to participate in something miraculous that Jesus does! I will sing His praises the loudest when I see such things.
- When I watch a man surrender his life to Jesus, it's a miracle and glory is added to God. - When a couple is reconciled from the darkest of paths, God is glorified!
- When a friend is freed from the chains that bind him emotionally, praise God!
- I love what the song of the day was: "We never saw anything like this!"
- When Jesus works, that's the way it is. Constant moments of re-occuring, jaw dropping awe! It's the continuous discovery of wide eyed wonder!
Conclusion
- I want to ask if you still believe? Do you believe enough to open your mouth and preach, letting your mouth become the vehicle through which the God of heaven speaks!?
- Do you believe enough to drag that friend, co-worker to Jesus Christ, so that He can do the work of transformation? If you will, He will be worshipped and you will be in awe!
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