To show the importance of daily prayer time.

To show the danger of procrastination about salvation.

To show the willingness of Jesus to save souls and forgive sins.

To show the importance of witnessing.

To teach that obedience to Christ is better than wealth or fame.

To teach the importance of Sunday observance for Him.

INTRODUCTION: Last week we studied about the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Mark begins it, and purposely so, with John the Baptist. CF. Acts 1:22. We saw Jesus baptized, tempted, starting His church (16-18 and Matthew. 16:18) and miraculously healing people.

Today we will study the events that somewhat typify the days of Christ's earthly, 32 year ministry. Since we are exhorted to be followers of Him (Ephesians 5:1) these events become of exceptional importance to us.

Vs. 35--37 -- The early morning, before the hustle and bustle of the day's activities, is a good time to have devotions. (Bible study and prayer.) If it was important for Jesus to begin the day in prayer, how much more important it is for us.

Vs. 38&39 -- His concern for people was not localized. He was concerned about the people in other towns as well as those in Capernaum. CF. Matthew. 10:5,6.

Vs. 40 -Leprosy was a type of sin and was used as a brand for sin in the case of Miriam. (Numbers 12:10) and of King Uzziah (II Chronicles 26:16-21). The Mosaic Law about lepers was given in Leviticus 13 & 14.

No one could touch a leper. A leper was an outcast. Leprosy affects the physical Body like sin affects the spiritual life. If Christ alone could cure leprosy, likewise, He is the only remedy for sin.

Notice how the leper came. In humility, pleading and stating his belief. "If thou wilt, thou canst".

Vs. 41&42 -- The compassionate Christ put forth His hand and before He touched him the leper was healed.

Vs. 43&44 -- When the leper was healed, he was to go to the priest and offer a sacrifice and be

pronounced clean. Leviticus 14:4, 10.

Vs. 45 - This man wouldn't be quiet about what Jesus had done for him and although this was disobedience we should tell others today what Jesus has done for us. His disobedience however, hindered Christ's work just as our disobedience does.

Chapter 2, Vs. 1 -- Capernaum was His headquarters during His Galilean ministry. "In the house" probably refers to the house where He lived while in Capernaum.

Vs. 2 - Jesus was always ready to preach. Preaching is teaching and we should always be ready to teach others about our Lord.

Vs. 3 - The palsied man probably had heard of Jesus healing Simon's mother-in-law but had not been healed as others were. Chapter 1:34. Perhaps he procrastinated and put off coming to Jesus at that time ( for no doubt he had a sin problem, 2:5). He probably thought that Jesus would be available tomorrow, but Jesus was gone from Capernaum on the morrow. We must accept Him today, tomorrow may be too late. II. Corinthians 6:2; Proverbs 1:22-33. Note that this man was helpless and as such is like all sinners who need to be brought to Jesus and that's our job.

Vs. 4 - "Press" refers to the crowd. These four men exemplify: Love, earnestness, determination and faith.

Vs. 5 - The man's main problem was sin and Jesus took care of that first.

Vs. 6-11 -- The scribes knew only God could forgive sin and for a man to make such a claim, to them was blasphemy. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, asked "Is it easier to forgive a man's sin or to cause him to walk?" To them, one was as impossible as the other. But to prove that He was God in the flesh with power to forgive sins, Jesus tells the palsied man to get up and take his bed and walk.

Vs. 12 -- The man got up at once and as a result all were amazed and God was glorified. This was done because four men were concerned for a man in need.

Levi was called Matthew in his gospel (Matthew. 9:9) Matthew means "Gift of Jehovah" and he may have received the name when he was saved. He was a hated and despised tax collector but when he saw Jesus and heard His call he was instantly obedient. He probably left behind much wealth and a good paying job but Jesus' call was more important.

Vs. 15 -Matthew wanted his friends to meet Jesus so he had a dinner for them. Jesus was not above rubbing shoulders with sinners. He had to in order to win them and we do, too.

Vs. 16&17 -- These sinners needed to know Him and that's why He came. We are all sinners

(Romans 3:10,23). We all need to repent (Luke 13:3) and believe. (Acts 16:31)

Vs. 18&19 -- When they were in the presence of Christ there was no need of fasting. They had not been taught to do so.

Vs. 20 - They fasted after the ascension (Acts 1:12-14). Paul fasted, likewise, praying for the Holy Spirit's power (Acts 9:9, 11, 17). Later, Barnabus, Paul and others fasted as they prayed and waited before God (Acts 13:1-3). There is value in fasting when we desire something from God, to show your earnestness, but fasting should be an exception and not a rule. There is a danger in fasting that it becomes a formality. Eg. Catholics during Lent.

Vs. 21&22 -- These two illustrations point out to us that the law is not to be mixed with Grace. They don't belong together. Jesus didn't come to fit into the customs of the Pharisees. He came to bring something entirely new. Salvation by Grace and not by the works of the Law. Galatians 2:16. Bottles refers to "wine-skins", old skins were worn thin and wouldn't take the swelling caused by the fermenting of new wine. The Gospel of God's grace is the new wine, we must not put it into the old wineskins of the Law. Romans 3:20-31.

Vs. 23&24 -- The law of Moses forbade reaping and threshing on the Sabbath. (Exodus 20:10; Deuteronomy 23:25) However, these men did not break this law for they just gathered what they needed and that was all. What they did was not work. The Pharisees had added to the law. CF. Matthew. 15:6; Mark 7:8-13.

Vs. 25&26 -- Jesus defended His disciples actions by first referring them to an instance in David's life, 1Samuel 21:1-6. They believed in the greatness of David so they would never censure David, so why should they criticize Christ? It wasn't lawful for David to eat the shewbread but he did because he and his men were hungry.

Vs. 27 - The Sabbath was made for men. It's for his benefit. Every person needs one day in 7 for rest, relaxation and diversion. The Jews celebrated the 7^th day of the week in commemoration of a finished redemption. Sunday is resurrection day, Easter day. It is a day for rest, worship, good deeds, for service to God and mankind. We honor mother on Mother's day, etc., and we should honor Christ on His day, weekly with our time and our gifts.

Vs. 28 - Jesus ended His defense by saying He was Lord (Master, ruler) over the Sabbath and therefore could say what was or was not to be done. A greater than Moses was here.

CONCLUSION: Summarize His typical day. Certainly it would be good if we would determine to live likewise during this coming year. Discuss way we can accomplish this.