Sabbath Showdown #
Mark 2:27-3:6
Introduction
Mark 2:27-28 feed into this passage so well:
Mark 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: 28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
This is a major power play move by Jesus, demonstrating this truth, and his authority to the Pharisees. While there is an overtone that is certainly prominent, lets not forget the circumstances, and people that are involved! This is an incredible miracle, done specifically on the sabbath, in front of the Pharisees, and in all of that, a man is healed, his life is changed!
Let's examine the passage, and learn what we can from the Bible!
I. Crippled Man #
- "withered hand" he couldn't fix his problem!
A. Religious man (1) "there was a man there" #
1. Religion didn't fix his problem - sin is not fixed by religion #
- Religion is often a set of good works performed out of duty.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
2. A relationship with Jesus is the only fix for sin! #
B. Called out man (3) "Stand forth" #
1. Jesus called him out - Jesus will call you out for your sin! #
John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
C. An obedient man (5) "And he stretched it out" #
1. He apparently stood forth (3) #
2. He stretched out his withered hand (5) #
- He didn't let pride hold him back
- It was a public profession (he was flawed).
- It was an act of faith
D. A Healed man! (5) "was restored whole as the other" #
1. His obedience to Jesus changed his life! #
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
II. Compassionate Man - Jesus! #
A. Attended the Synagogue (1) "he entered again" #
1. Example - By example being in the synagogue #
- We are to be in the place of worship!
- God's people have always had a habit of going to the Tabernacle, then to the Temple, then to the Synagogue, now to the Church!
2. Expounded - Taught, took the Word of God, and taught! #
Psa. 119:130 ¶ The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
B. Announced out the need (3) "Stand forth" #
1. The Word points out our sin! #
- Many churches and messages are concerned about the message they are portraying!
- Paul told Timothy (2 Tim 4:1-5, 2*)
2Tim. 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
C. Attended to the need (5) #
1. Jesus didn't just call out the issue, he attended to it! #
- If the doctor cannot point out what is wrong, he will not be able to fix it!
2. Jesus desired to help, not hurt! #
D. Addressed the Contentious men (4) #
III. Contentious Men #
A. Looked for problems (2) "that they might accuse him" #
1. Some people, are looking to overthrow Jesus! #
- Today some men simply look to overthrow Jesus
- Because they want to be in charge!
2. These men were not in the synagogue to learn #
B. Listened but didn't respond to Word (4) "they held their peace" #
- Some men are so set in their pride, arrogance, and sin, that if the Lord himself preached to them, they would not respond!
C. Linked with enemies (6) "took counsel with the Herodians against him" #
- Herodians were a political party, more aligned with the Sadducee, not the Pharisees.
- Sin and hatred, is so strong... they will go to those they disagree with and join forces
D. Grieved God (5) #
1. Hard-hearted - closed to God, God's Word, God's influence #
- Jesus heart was grieved before they counseled on how to destroy Jesus, because he knew their heart!
- Pride, arrogance, grieves God!
Eph. 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
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- God doesn't want man to be hard-hearted!