Monday
And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. - Mark 2:1-2 ESV
Our Greatest Need: The Crowd Jesus Encountered
Winston Churchill was once asked, “Doesn’t it thrill you to know that every time you make a speech, the hall is packed to overflowing?” “It’s quite flattering,” replied Sir Winston. “But whenever I feel that way, I always remember that if instead of making a political speech I was being hanged, the crowd would be twice as big.” (Norman McGowan, My Years With Winston Churchill).
We don’t know how many people tried to cram into the house in Capernaum where Jesus was but we do know there were all types. Some were for Jesus and some were against Him. Virgil Edwards described the crowd Jesus encountered in Mark 2 as the hearers, helpless, helpers, hinderers, and harassers. Word was spreading about Jesus and people wanted to see for themselves.
Reflection
It has been said that when a church is on fire, people will come to watch it burn. What do you think is most attracting people to our Second Family?
Praise/Prayer
Thank God people He has brought to our church family and who have been changed by Jesus. Pray God would grow our influence in our community for His glory and that many more would come to Christ.
Our Greatest Need: The Crowd Jesus Encountered
Winston Churchill was once asked, “Doesn’t it thrill you to know that every time you make a speech, the hall is packed to overflowing?” “It’s quite flattering,” replied Sir Winston. “But whenever I feel that way, I always remember that if instead of making a political speech I was being hanged, the crowd would be twice as big.” (Norman McGowan, My Years With Winston Churchill).
We don’t know how many people tried to cram into the house in Capernaum where Jesus was but we do know there were all types. Some were for Jesus and some were against Him. Virgil Edwards described the crowd Jesus encountered in Mark 2 as the hearers, helpless, helpers, hinderers, and harassers. Word was spreading about Jesus and people wanted to see for themselves.
Reflection
It has been said that when a church is on fire, people will come to watch it burn. What do you think is most attracting people to our Second Family?
Praise/Prayer
Thank God people He has brought to our church family and who have been changed by Jesus. Pray God would grow our influence in our community for His glory and that many more would come to Christ.
Tuesday
And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. - Mark 2:3-4 ESV
The Commitment Jesus Saw
In the 1992 Summer Olympics in the 400-meter semifinal, British runner Derek Redmond tore a hamstring and fell to the track. He struggled to his feet and began to hobble, determined to complete the race. His father ran from the stands to help him off the track, but the athlete refused to quit. He leaned on his father, and the two limped to the finish line together, to deafening applause. (John E. Anderson, "What Makes Olympic Champions?")
In Mark 2, Jesus saw a similar determination on the part of four friends of a paralyzed man. They carried him to meet Jesus, but when they got to the house they couldn’t even get in because it was so crowded. Determined not to give up, they tore a hole in the roof and lowered him down to be healed.
Reflection
Who has shown the determination to walk with you in the faith? Who have you put energy and effort into leading to Jesus?
Praise/Prayer
Thank God for the people in your life who have helped carry you closer to Christ. Ask God to show you who needs help getting to Jesus in your sphere of influence.
The Commitment Jesus Saw
In the 1992 Summer Olympics in the 400-meter semifinal, British runner Derek Redmond tore a hamstring and fell to the track. He struggled to his feet and began to hobble, determined to complete the race. His father ran from the stands to help him off the track, but the athlete refused to quit. He leaned on his father, and the two limped to the finish line together, to deafening applause. (John E. Anderson, "What Makes Olympic Champions?")
In Mark 2, Jesus saw a similar determination on the part of four friends of a paralyzed man. They carried him to meet Jesus, but when they got to the house they couldn’t even get in because it was so crowded. Determined not to give up, they tore a hole in the roof and lowered him down to be healed.
Reflection
Who has shown the determination to walk with you in the faith? Who have you put energy and effort into leading to Jesus?
Praise/Prayer
Thank God for the people in your life who have helped carry you closer to Christ. Ask God to show you who needs help getting to Jesus in your sphere of influence.
Wednesday
And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” - Mark 2:5 ESV
The Compassion that Jesus Showed
Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Christ has eyes with which he can see faith. You and I cannot see it; but he can: ‘When he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins be forgiven thee.’ This was going to the very root of his disease.” The man had need for physical healing but Jesus saw his greater need for spiritual healing.
Jesus was moved by the faith of the four men and the paralytic. The actions of these four men were a clear indication that they believed Jesus had the power to heal. This captured the attention of Jesus and moved Him to heal. Man’s sinful condition and need for spiritual healing is what moved the heart of God to send His Son to die for our sins.
Reflection
What are a few things you did this week that are reflections of the faith you have in Jesus? List some ways you have felt the compassion of God in your life.
Praise/Prayer
Praise God for His heart of compassion for you and for sending Jesus to die on the cross for your sins. Ask God to give you His heart of compassion for the lost around you.
The Compassion that Jesus Showed
Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Christ has eyes with which he can see faith. You and I cannot see it; but he can: ‘When he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins be forgiven thee.’ This was going to the very root of his disease.” The man had need for physical healing but Jesus saw his greater need for spiritual healing.
Jesus was moved by the faith of the four men and the paralytic. The actions of these four men were a clear indication that they believed Jesus had the power to heal. This captured the attention of Jesus and moved Him to heal. Man’s sinful condition and need for spiritual healing is what moved the heart of God to send His Son to die for our sins.
Reflection
What are a few things you did this week that are reflections of the faith you have in Jesus? List some ways you have felt the compassion of God in your life.
Praise/Prayer
Praise God for His heart of compassion for you and for sending Jesus to die on the cross for your sins. Ask God to give you His heart of compassion for the lost around you.
Thursday
Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” - Mark 2:6-7 ESV
The Conflict that Jesus Caused
A lady was sick, so she went to the doctor. He examined her, did several tests, and told her the bad news. “I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but I’m afraid you’ve contracted rabies.” The doctor left the room for a minute, and when he returned the woman was busy writing on a piece of paper. He asked, “What are you doing, writing your will?” She said, “No, I’m making a list of all the people I’m going to bite.” (Source Unknown).
Some people love to pick a good fight. These scribes, in Mark 2, were there to pick a fight and cause trouble. They wanted to pick apart the teachings and actions of Jesus. His popularity had aroused their jealousy. Instead of responding with joy and gratitude for this man being healed, they had judgment. Jesus created a great controversy by healing this man’s sins. Everyone knew that only God could do that. And by proclaiming this man forgiven, Jesus was claiming to be God.
Reflection
Claiming that Jesus is God is controversial to some. Sometimes we need to be willing to deal with conflict because it’s the right thing to do. What are some beliefs you hold that should be worth fighting for?
Praise/Prayer
Praise Jesus as the One True and Holy God who alone deserves worship. Ask God to grow your faith in courage in the face of conflict.
The Conflict that Jesus Caused
A lady was sick, so she went to the doctor. He examined her, did several tests, and told her the bad news. “I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but I’m afraid you’ve contracted rabies.” The doctor left the room for a minute, and when he returned the woman was busy writing on a piece of paper. He asked, “What are you doing, writing your will?” She said, “No, I’m making a list of all the people I’m going to bite.” (Source Unknown).
Some people love to pick a good fight. These scribes, in Mark 2, were there to pick a fight and cause trouble. They wanted to pick apart the teachings and actions of Jesus. His popularity had aroused their jealousy. Instead of responding with joy and gratitude for this man being healed, they had judgment. Jesus created a great controversy by healing this man’s sins. Everyone knew that only God could do that. And by proclaiming this man forgiven, Jesus was claiming to be God.
Reflection
Claiming that Jesus is God is controversial to some. Sometimes we need to be willing to deal with conflict because it’s the right thing to do. What are some beliefs you hold that should be worth fighting for?
Praise/Prayer
Praise Jesus as the One True and Holy God who alone deserves worship. Ask God to grow your faith in courage in the face of conflict.
Friday
And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” - Mark 2:12 ESV
The Change That Jesus Makes
We have all seen the popular advertising tactic of “before” and “after” pictures. They are probably most common for diet products and workouts. The “before” picture is almost always the least flattering picture possible with bad lighting and altered at least a little in Photoshop to make it look even worse. And the “after” picture is the exact opposite. It is the most flattering picture possible with great lighting and a flattering pose. (Source Unknown).
The before and after pictures in Mark 2 were real and they were astonishing. A paralyzed man was lowered into a house on a mat and he left the house walking on his own two feet. In Mark 2 Jesus healed the paralytic spiritually and physically like no one else could. The healed paralytic, immediately put his faith into action and got up and walked and left glorifying God. The people were “all amazed and said, “We have never seen anything like this.”
Reflection
Who is someone that you have seen God make an amazing change with? In what ways has God changed your life?
Praise/Prayer
Thank God for changing your life and changing your eternal destination. Ask God for an opportunity to share with someone this week how Jesus can change their life.
The Change That Jesus Makes
We have all seen the popular advertising tactic of “before” and “after” pictures. They are probably most common for diet products and workouts. The “before” picture is almost always the least flattering picture possible with bad lighting and altered at least a little in Photoshop to make it look even worse. And the “after” picture is the exact opposite. It is the most flattering picture possible with great lighting and a flattering pose. (Source Unknown).
The before and after pictures in Mark 2 were real and they were astonishing. A paralyzed man was lowered into a house on a mat and he left the house walking on his own two feet. In Mark 2 Jesus healed the paralytic spiritually and physically like no one else could. The healed paralytic, immediately put his faith into action and got up and walked and left glorifying God. The people were “all amazed and said, “We have never seen anything like this.”
Reflection
Who is someone that you have seen God make an amazing change with? In what ways has God changed your life?
Praise/Prayer
Thank God for changing your life and changing your eternal destination. Ask God for an opportunity to share with someone this week how Jesus can change their life.
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