Eternal City Church Sunday Sermons

Jesus encounters two unique needs in this section of Mark; one an outcast woman who is concealing her need and the other a well respected public figure who is also in great need of Jesus' power and compassion. Jesus does good to each of these people in need. Amazingly what lies under the surface of these two accounts is a gospel portrayal of our own need and flowing from our receiving grace, our gospel-response, depicted in Jesus' actions and attitude.

In the gospel of Mark Jesus seems to have constant encounters with invisible beings inhabiting both people and our world, however, none have been like this! In dramatic fashion, Jesus displays his authority over the unseen evil beings with a simple word which demands demonic obedience.

Jesus' parables are revealing to those with "ears to hear." We want to be those who go after God and his kingdom as our first and foremost priority (which will then bring much into focus). The good news for us who are praying for, desire for, and are working towards the expansion of God's kingdom is: the weight of expansion and growth is in God's hands, not ours. God is the one who will build and is building his kingdom (expanding his rule and reign). We can "plant" and then "sleep" knowing that ultimate responsibility rests with God and not us.

Jesus told parables to reveal the truth and to conceal the truth. For those who care enough to be on the "inside", they have "been given the secret of the kingdom of God." These parables of Jesus are compact, pithy, rich with meaning, and gloriously revealing for those who have "ears to hear." Please listen while asking the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to you, for there is much here to benefit from.

Can Christians commit the "unforgivable sin?" What precisely is the "eternal sin." In this second half of chapter three we see continued mounting hostility toward Jesus while Jesus is resolutely continuing with his mission; Jesus will not be deterred! We also rejoice that in Christ we have a new family (in the now) and the great hope of an eternal future full of new brothers and sisters (all made new and perfected).

Hostility heightens to a feverish level as Jesus again heals and gives life on the Sabbath in the face of Pharisaical opposition. Jesus does not actually break any old covenant Sabbath laws however he does intentionally challenge the religious norms and accepted cultural practices surrounding the Sabbath. This causes a partnership of intended destruction towards Jesus. Even in the face of this opposition, Jesus remains resolute in his mission of fulfilling the law, preaching, healing, casting out demons, and training future ministers by giving them his authority and sending them out. Jesus by doing so is laying a foundation for his departure from the earth after his resurrection and ascension.

Fasting and keeping Sabbath regulations were integral parts of Jesus' first-century Jewish culture. Jesus explained that he had not come to tweak the current religious system but rather issue a whole new reality with himself as the center. In Jesus, we find the soul rest we search for in all other endeavors, whether "secular or sacred." Come to Jesus, lay your burdens on him and he will in turn lay a loving, freeing burden on you.

Jesus makes a scandalous declaration (if not true) which envokes outrage in the religious elite who heard it. He then goes on to miraculously back up his claim. Immediately following, Jesus' actions show he came to do the very thing he claimed (he waisted no time). The truth is, Jesus was very open and public about his claims to be able to forgive sin because he is one with God (making himself equal with God, John 5:18). God the Father gave Jesus this authority and Jesus did not hesitate to use it (Matthew 28:18 & 1 Corinthians 15:27-28).

Astonishment is the response as Jesus begins to flex his power over the kingdom of Satan and disease. He teaches with such authority and might that Jesus amazes all who hear him. We as God's image-bearers must not simply be amazed or astonished, rather, we must bow down and give over our lives to this authoritative King.

Mark begins his book within the first few days of Jesus' ministry narrating his baptism by John the baptist. Jesus, throughout this gospel account, is taking action, proving his claim to be God's Son, the Christ, and the judge of all the earth. Jesus' authority is highlighted throughout this text as he is verbally affirmed by his Father from heaven and anointed with the Holy Spirit, tempted by Satan in the wilderness and victorious, beginning a public preaching ministry, and calling the first four of his disciples.