Mark 2 -- A New Kind Of Ministry

"In this section, our Lord makes it clear that He came to bring to all who would trust Him three wonderful gifts:  forgiveness, fulfillment, and freedom," my commentary said.

Speaking about the story of the four friends who lowered their friend for Jesus to heal, it said,"  Jesus went to the heart of the man's problem -- sin ... evidently this man's condition was the result of his disobedience to God ... Forgiveness is the greatest miracle Jesus ever performed.  It meets the greatest need, it costs the greatest price, and it brings the greatest blessing and the most lasting results."

"When Jesus looked within, He saw the critical spirit in their hearts and knew that they were accusing Him of blasphemy ... Jesus was claiming to be God.  But the next instant He proved Himself to be God by reading their hearts and telling them what they were thinking ... Jesus affirmed His deity not only by forgiving the man's sins and healing his body, but also by applying to Himself the title "Son of Man" ... It was definitely a messianic title."

Jesus talked to them about how a physician heals the sick, not the healthy.  Like a physician, "He comes to us in our need, He makes a perfect diagnosis; He provides a final and complete cure; and He pays the bill!"

"There are three kinds of patients whom Jesus cannot heal of their sin sickness:  1)  Those who do not know about Him; 2) Those that know about Him but refuse to trust Him; and 3) Those who will not admit that they need Him ... Unless we admit that we are sinners deserving of God's judgment, we cannot be saved.  JESUS SAVE ONLY SINNERS."

"Jesus had already made it clear that He came to convert the sinners, not to compliment the self-righteous."

How befuddled and agitated the scribes and Pharisees must have become, being unable to successfully deal with Jesus and His methods of ministry.  Their rules condemned people, while Jesus' ministry forgave and healed them.  How much more freeing that would be!

Father, I hate being a sinner.  I know I should absolutely be obeying You in every area of my life, particularly since You sacrificed Your Son for me.  Thank You for Your forgiveness, Your fulfillment, and Your freedom!

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Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford