Legalism is False Piety (Mk.2:23-3:6)

Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” (Mk.2:27-28)

False Piety

The Pharisees were self righteous and legalistic in their attitude. They stretched the laws into unwanted details to show their piety and to accuse others of their sinfulness. Plucking heads of grain while walking through the fields was interpreted as harvesting or gathering grain. The Law commands them to rest on the Sabbath from their labor and forbids them from working. Jesus gave the right perspective: Law was made for man and not man made for the Law. The Sabbath was instituted for the benefit of man and man was more important than the Sabbath itself. Further more, Jesus was the Lord of all. What you do with Jesus is of greater importance than mere observance of the Law.

Legalism

As in our times, the deliberate misinterpretation of the law was used to trap people in those days. Being legalistic is not necessarily being law-abiding. The intention and motive matters in our observance of the rules. The Law-giver is greater than the Law itself.

The Master’s Mission (Mk.2:13-22)

When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the “sinners” and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and ’sinners’?” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mk.2:16-17)

Not Rule-oriented but Love-oriented

Jesus set a new standard for spirituality. He broke away for the hypocritical tradition and challenged His followers to live the new life. He loved people and cared for those who were in need- need of salvation, healing and deliverance.

Not Traditional but Relational

The observation of traditional practices have become opportunities to accuse those who did not rigidly follow them. “We do this and you don’t” was a way of pointing finger at someone. But Jesus taught that it was dependant on who you are rather than what you do. If you are related to the bridegroom, then you are in, otherwise not.

Jesus-His Person and Mission (Mk.2:1-12)

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . .” He said to the paralytic, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” (Mk.2:10-12)

He is God Who Forgives Sins

People were amazed at His authoritative teaching, His miraculous healings and His bold claims. They witnessed these things first hand. Regarding His authority to forgive sins they probably had doubts. But he said to the paralytic that his sins are forgiven.

He is God Who Heals Sicknesses

Jesus proved His claim by doing the humanly impossible. It was easy to tell someone “your sins are forgiven” because no one knows what the result is. However, if you tell a paralytic “take your bed and walk”, it is expected that the paralytic is healed of his paralysis before he can do that. Your words should stand the test.

Healing the sick was not His real mission but saving the sinner was. He came to seek and to save that which was lost.

The Master’s Mission (Mk.1:29-45)

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. (Mk.1:35-39)

Jesus healed sicknesses, cast out demons as a part of His mission of setting people free from bondages.

His Focus

Jesus delivered people from physical bondages as a symbol of the spiritual freedom He came to initiate. He preached this as the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Redeeming people from the bondage of sin and satan for ever was His goal.

People were often looking for Him and were crowding around for temporary benefits like physical healing or food. But Jesus wouldn’t let them make a hero out of His compassionate deeds.

His Motivation

He had volunteered for the most difficult and humanly impossible task-the task of paying the price for the sins of mankind. As a human in form He felt hungry and tired, he was grieved and agonized. But the constant communion He maintained with the Father and the Holy Spirit, co-equal personalities in the Godhead, helped Him keep His motivation. He often spent time alone in prayer.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (Mk.1:35)

His Determination

Jesus did not desire cheap publicity or popularity that could deter Him from His goal. He was purpose-oriented as well as people-oriented in His approach. After healing the leper Jesus told him:

“See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” (Mk.1:44)

Jesus and His Mission

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. (Mk.1:14-15, 17, 25-26)

Jesus - God’s Good News

John the baptizer had done his work of introducing the Savior. Jesus took off from there with His mission of seeking and saving. He proclaimed the Good News of God-in fact, He Himself was the Good News of God. He was the lamb who was slain as a ransom for the sins of the world.

Call to Believe in Him

Jesus proclaimed the Good News that God has sent the Savior and called people to turn away from their sinful ways to turn to Him for salvation.

Call to Follow Him

He invited those who believed in Him to follow Him and join the mission of seeking and saving the lost. Fishermen thus became fishers of men.

Call to Bear Witness

Jesus invited these men to be with Him and witness the work of God - His power and authority as the God-incarnate. He were to delegate some of these powers to them as He would commission them to continue the mission. The the through His indwelling as they They later testified to this reality they had witnessed.

Minister of the Master (Mk.1:1-13)

“And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins…. And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”" (Mk.1:4, 7-8)

God gradually revealed His plan to save the world and at the appointed time sent the Savior. Each of His messengers and ministers had clear job descriptions including John the baptizer.

Minister’s Role

John the baptizer made his entry at God’s appointed time as the forerunner to the Savior.

• Introduce the Savior

He announced the Savior’s arrival and called the people to repentance and preparation. All the people, from the common man to the king were given the call to repent - the duty of a minister of the Lord.

• Identify Himself

A true minister of God will always identify himself as an unworthy slave of the Master, unworthy even to serve at the Masters feet.

Master’s Role

• Mightier One

Master is mightier and greater than the minister in that He is the judge and decision-maker regarding eternal rewards.

• Spirit-Baptizer
  

Master is the real baptizer who will use His own Spirit and fire as the medium for the baptism. He is identified and authenticated by the Father and the Holy Spirit.