Trinity Baptist Church Sermons

When someone says, “I forgive you,” they are implying two things: first, that you have wronged them; and second, that they are willing and able to absorb the debt your wrongdoing has incurred.

When Jesus told the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven,” he was implying both. And that is what made his words so astonishing. The religious scribes immediately recognized the implication: Who has the authority to forgive sins but God alone? What right did Jesus have to pronounce forgiveness over a complete stranger?

In recounting this episode, Mark wants us to wrestle with that same question: “Why does this man talk like that?” It is an important question for us to consider as well: Why does Jesus have the authority to declare sins forgiven? The answer will become clear as we look at the story as it unfolds.

I. The Faith of the Friends - 2:1-5a

II. The Need of the Man - 2:5b

III. The Accusation of the Scholars - 2:6-7

IV. The Reply of the Lord - 2:8-12

People in the ancient world didn’t know about germ theory, but they did know that deadly diseases could spread from person to person. The Jews in particular took abundant precautions against contagion—so much, in fact, that the diagnosis of a skin disease was like a death sentence. It meant social and spiritual exile (Leviticus 13:45-46).

In this episode, Mark tells how Jesus cleansed a man from a leprous disease. But there is more here than meets the eye. In showing us that Jesus actually touched the diseased man, this passage teaches us how Jesus deals with an even deeper infection—our sin. 

I. The Tragedy of the Man’s Condition - 1:40a - “A leper came to him.”

II. The Scandal of Jesus’ Remedy - 1:41-42  - “He stretched out his hand and touched him.”

III. The Exchange of Their Places - 1:43-45 - “Jesus . . . was out in desolate places.”

It’s easy for us to assume that stress and pressure were invented in the modern world, along with cars, television, and more recently, social media. But people in the ancient world faced high demands and stressful situations as well. This was certainly true of Jesus. To this point in Mark’s telling of his life, Jesus has begun to exercise his authority as God’s Son—casting out demons and healing people. These miracles made Jesus suddenly popular, and now he is the most sought-out person in the region.How will Jesus act under this kind of pressure? This episode in Mark’s gospel shows us how Jesus maintained three essential priorities.I. Prayer: Jesus Prioritized Communion with His Father. - 1:35 II. People: Jesus Prioritized Caring for Others. - 1:36-39 III. Preaching: Jesus Prioritized Communicating the Good News. - 1:38-39

To this point in Mark’s gospel, Jesus has declared the good news that God’s kingdom has drawn near (1:14-15) and started to gather followers (1:16-20). But how are people to know whether Jesus’ claims are real? If he is this world’s true King, what kind of authority does he have? On one remarkable Sabbath day, Jesus demonstrates his authority, showing that, with his coming, God’s kingdom really has arrived.Jesus has the authority to speak God’s truth. - 1:21-22Jesus has the authority to defeat God’s enemies. - 1:23-28Jesus has the authority to heal God’s people. 1:29-34

Mark 1:16-20

After announcing the good news that God’s reign is getting close, Jesus begins gathering followers, and he starts with four fisherman on the lake. This simple episode raises important question: Why these people? Why did they so readily follow Jesus? And what did Jesus intend for them?

Mark gives presents this scene to begin to show his readers what it means that Jesus, the King, summons people to follow him.

I. The Called - Who is being summoned?

II. The Caller - Who is summoning?

III. The Calling - What is he summoning them to do?

Mark 1:14 - Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

In this passage, Mark tells us that Jesus comes announcing that the kingdom of God has drawn near. But if Jesus is the rightful King and we are rebels against His rule, why is that good news? Mark 1:14–15 begins to answer that question and shows us how sinners must respond to the King who has come. Here we see two announcements, and one summons:

1. The Appointed Time Has Come

2. The Kingdom Has Drawn Near

3. Repent and Believe

At Jesus’ baptism, God publicly declared, “You are my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” This raises the question: What happens to God’s beloved Son now? Where does he go, and who does he encounter? The next episode gives us an startling answer. Instead of receiving a royal reception, God’s beloved Son goes into the wilderness to meet God’s adversary. I. Where the King Goes: The WildernessII. Who the King Faces: God’s AdversaryIII. Why this MattersThis episode shows us that Jesus triumphs where we fail so that through him we too can triumph.

What is so important about the baptism of Jesus? It marks the official beginning of his ministry as the Christ, the King. It also means that the three events of his baptism—heaven being torn open, the Spirit descending, and the Father’s speaking—apply not only to Jesus, but also to all those who are trusting in Jesus.

This is why we can declare that . . .

I. In Christ, we find heaven open. - 1:10a

II. In Christ, we receive God’s Spirit - 1:10b

III. In Christ, we enjoy God’s delight. - 1:11

The gospel of Mark presents Jesus as the King (Messiah, God’s Son) who has come to rescue his people. But what must be done to prepare for the coming of this King?Ahead of Jesus, God sends a prophet: John the baptizer. John’s style and methods were unconventional, but his message was clear: this coming King will bring people out of the exile of their sin, so that they can come home to the life-giving presence of God.Although Jesus’ coming took place over 2,000 years ago, John’s message remains relevant for us today. This will become clear as we consider . . . I. The Moment: What happened?II. The Meaning: What does this mean?III. The Message: What does this mean for us? We still need: A. A prophetic voice B. The offer of forgiveness C. A call to repentance D. A high view of Christ E. The Spirit of God

Mark 1:1-3

In a world riddled with evil and pain, it’s easy to develop a cynical, despairing attitude about nearly everything. Even when things seem to be good we wonder, “What’s really behind this? or, “We’ll just see how long this lasts.” Is there anything so solidly good that it’s worth believing, celebrating, and sharing with others?

Mark certainly thought so, and wrote a book about it. The opening few verses of Mark’s gospel gives us three reasons this news is so good.

I. This message is good because of who it’s about.

II. This message is good because of how it came.

III. This message is good because of where it lands.