New Testament Studies: Mark (3): Chapter 2 v1 to 3 v6 -- David Pawson

Summary

The provided transcript is a detailed account of a sermon that delves into the reasons behind the opposition Jesus faced during his ministry, as recorded in Saint Mark's Gospel. The speaker explores the narrative of Jesus' interactions, such as forgiving a paralytic's sins, calling Levi the tax collector to follow him, and healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. These acts challenged the authority of the religious leaders, including the scribes and Pharisees, and threatened their established order. The sermon also discusses the political collaboration between the Pharisees and the Herodians to counter Jesus' influence. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus' claims to authority, such as being the forgiver of sins, the physician of sinners, the bridegroom, the lord of the Sabbath, and the son of man, were direct challenges to the religious status quo and were perceived as a threat. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the necessity of Jesus' crucifixion for the salvation of sinners and an invitation to the congregation to partake in the Holy Communion, recognizing their need for forgiveness and the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice.

Takeaways

• 📜 The story of Jesus forgiving the sins of a paralytic man and healing him is a central narrative in the passage, illustrating the faith of those who sought Jesus and His divine authority to forgive sins.
• ✝️ Jesus' interaction with the scribes and Pharisees highlights the tension between traditional religious authorities and Jesus' teachings, which challenged their established norms and authority.
• 🤔 The questioning of Jesus' authority by the scribes and Pharisees is a pivotal moment that reveals the depth of their skepticism and the beginning of their hostility towards Jesus.
• 🧐 Jesus' calling of Levi (Matthew) from his tax collector post and the subsequent dining with tax collectors and sinners demonstrates Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, rather than exclude them.
• 🍷 The parable of the wedding guests and the new wine emphasizes that the joy of having Jesus present is reason enough for His disciples not to fast, contrasting with the fasting practices of John's disciples and the Pharisees.
• 📚 Jesus' teachings on the Sabbath, using the example of David eating the bread of the presence, assert that the Sabbath is made for man, and He, as the Son of Man, is Lord of the Sabbath.
• 🤲 The healing of the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath day is a direct challenge to the Pharisees' interpretation of the Sabbath laws, showing Jesus' priority of doing good and healing over legalistic adherence.
• ⛓ The opposition to Jesus from the religious leaders is rooted in His challenge to their authority and their perception of Him as a threat to their religious and social order.
• 🤯 The plotting of Jesus' assassination by the Pharisees and Herodians is a stark example of how deeply the religious leaders' animosity had turned into a desire to eliminate Him.
• 💭 The progression of sin, from thought to word to deed, is illustrated in the actions of those who opposed Jesus, starting with their internal thoughts of disbelief and culminating in the decision to kill Him.
• 🕊 The ultimate reason for Jesus' death was His claim of authority and divinity, which was seen as blasphemy by the religious leaders, leading to His crucifixion.

Q & A

What was the main reason for the opposition against Jesus in the early days of his ministry?

The main reason for the opposition was Jesus' claim to authority on Earth to forgive sins, his association with sinners and tax collectors, and his actions that challenged the religious leaders' interpretation of the Sabbath laws.

Why did the act of healing a paralytic man lead to opposition from the religious leaders?

The healing itself was not the issue; rather, it was Jesus' assertion of authority to forgive sins that troubled the religious leaders, as they believed only God could forgive sins.

How did Jesus' interaction with Levi, the tax collector, reflect his mission?

Jesus' call to Levi to 'follow me' and Levi's subsequent transformation from a tax collector to a disciple (and later the author of the Gospel of Matthew) illustrated Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, including those considered outcasts by society.

What was the significance of the question Jesus posed regarding the easier thing to say: 'your sins are forgiven' or 'rise up and walk'?

The question highlighted the greater authority Jesus claimed to have on Earth, emphasizing that not only could he heal physical ailments, but he also had the divine power to forgive sins, which was a spiritual and theological act reserved for God alone.

Why did Jesus associate with tax collectors and sinners, and what was the reaction of the Pharisees and scribes?

Jesus associated with tax collectors and sinners to offer them redemption and forgiveness, which was contrary to the Pharisees' and scribes' practice of exclusion. This caused resentment and led them to question why Jesus, a perceived righteous teacher, would eat with such outcasts.

What was the issue with the Pharisees' approach to religion and how did Jesus challenge it?

The Pharisees' approach was overly legalistic and focused on external adherence to rules rather than an internal relationship with God. Jesus challenged this by emphasizing the importance of intent and heart over mere observance of rituals and laws.

How did Jesus' healing of the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath day provoke the Pharisees?

The Pharisees believed that performing a healing on the Sabbath was a violation of the day's sanctity, as it was considered work. Jesus, however, demonstrated that doing good and saving lives was not in conflict with the true spirit of the Sabbath.

What does the story of the scribes and Pharisees teach us about the dangers of religious hypocrisy?

The story illustrates the perils of focusing on outward displays of piety while neglecting genuine spirituality and compassion. Jesus condemned the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy, showing that true religion involves not just adherence to rules but also acts of mercy and love.

Why did Jesus use the analogy of new wine and new cloth to explain why his teachings were not compatible with the Pharisees' religious practices?

Jesus used these analogies to illustrate that his teachings represented a new covenant and a new way of understanding God's will. Just as new wine would burst old wineskins or a patch of new cloth would tear an old garment, his message of grace and forgiveness could not be contained within the Pharisees' strict and outdated interpretations of the law.

What was the role of the Herodians in the plot against Jesus?

The Herodians were political allies of the Pharisees in their opposition to Jesus. Since the Pharisees lacked the authority to execute Jesus, they sought the collaboration of the Herodians, who held political power and were also threatened by Jesus' growing influence.

How did Jesus' teachings on fasting challenge the Pharisees' religious practices?

Jesus taught that fasting should be a personal and genuine act of devotion rather than a public display or adherence to a prescribed schedule. This challenged the Pharisees' practice of fasting as a ritualistic observance, emphasizing instead a heart-felt connection with God.