MARK CHAPTER 2:1-22

JESUS IN THE MIDST OF THE MULTITUDES

INTRODUCTION: Capernaum was a thriving city at the northern end of the Sea of Galilee. There was a home in Capernaum that Jesus made His home during His Galilean ministry which lasted about 1 years. Our lesson today begins with Jesus in this house. We see in our lesson that the multitudes thronged to Him because of what He had previously done in the city. CF. Chapter 1:32-34. Let's see what Jesus did in the midst of the multitudes.


I. JESUS HEALS ONE OF PARALYSIS - Vs. 1-12

Vs. 1&2 - Jesus preached to the multitude. They needed to hear words of truth and they would get them from Him. John 17:17 Vs. 3 - The Paralytic possibly had procrastinated about going to Jesus with the other sick (1:32-34). Perhaps he thought he would go tomorrow. But on the morrow Jesus had departed.

Note: People need to come to Jesus when He is available. Isaih. 55:7-9. This man had four friends who brought Him to Jesus. They could be called love, earnestness, determination and faith; also they could be called prayer, patience, persistence and perseverance. All of these are needed to bring people to Jesus.

Vs. 4 - "Press" means "crowd". These men were persistent and determined. Obstacles would not defeat them.

Vs. 5 - When Jesus saw "their" faith. The faith of God's people will be honored for the salvation of souls.

Vs. 6&7 - Scribes were learned men in the Scriptures. They didn't believe Jesus was God and had the power to forgive sins. They considered Jesus' act as blasphemous because Jesus was acting as God. They were right in that only God can forgive sins.

Vs. 8-11 - Jesus showed He had power to forgive sins by healing the Paralytic physically. Jesus did for this man more than he had expected. He was healed physically and spiritually.

Vs. 12 -What Jesus commands is always done just as He desires. The man was healed immediately. Everyone present (the multitudes) were all amazed and glorified God. Jesus proved to them He was God.




II. JESUS CALLS A TAX COLLECTOR - Vs. 13 - 20

Vs. 13 -Jesus used the opportunity to teach the multitude. We should take every opportunity to tell about Jesus.

Vs. 14 -Jesus called Matthew to be a disciple. Matthew accepted His call. The things of the world took on secondary importance to Matthew.

Vs. 15 -Matthew wanted his friends to meet Jesus so he invited them to eat at his house so he could introduce them to the one who had changed his life.

Vs. 16&17 - Jesus came to save the lost - Luke 19:10

Vs. 18-20 - Fasting is associated with prayer. It shows earnestness about the prayer. As long as Jesus was with the disciples, it was likened to a wedding party being with the bridegroom which would be a joyous time. When Jesus would leave them, it would be appropriate on occasion to fast.




III. JESUS TEACHES ABOUT LAW AND GRACE - VS. 21-22

Vs. 21&22 - The parable of the garment and bottles teaches that the Gospel doesn't mix with the law and that many would accept Grace because of their attachment to the Law. 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. Esp. Vs. 20.

CONCLUSION: In our lesson we saw that Jesus used every opportunity to teach the multitudes truths they needed to know. We should become informed so that we can teach others by precept and example the truths of the Word of God.