- The Paralytic (v1-8)
- Our faith can bless others (v2)
- Jesus demonstrates His divinity (v2-6, Mark 2:1-12)
- Forgives the paralytic of his sins
- Knows the thoughts of the scribes
- Reaffirms His power with a simple statement
- Did the paralytic leave without thanking Jesus? (v7)
- Scribes were angry and accused Jesus of blasphemy, the crowds were awestruck and praised God.
- Which individual are you?
- One of the people who brought the paralytic
- The paralytic
- One of the scribes
- One amongst the crowds
- Matthew the tax collector (v9-13)
- Tax collectors worked for Romans, were despised because they usually collected more than they should
- Matthew follows Jesus immediately (v9)
- When you invite Jesus, He will accept your invitation (v10)
- It’s not Christians who need Jesus/the Good News but the unbelievers / Healthy (self-righteous/good people) vs sick (those made aware of their sinfulness by the Holy Spirit) (v10-12)
- Compassion/mercy NOT sacrifice (v13 / Hosea 6:6) | Does Jesus mean there are righteous people who can ignore Him? NO. Psalm 14:3/Romans 3:10 says there’s no one who is righteous!
- Fasting (v14-17)
- Disciples of John/Pharisees fasted based on Old Testament (Leviticus 16:29, 31). Pharisees changed it to two days!
- When bridegroom (Jesus) is with attendants (disciples), they should be joyful (v15) and when He’s gone, they’ll fast (to grow in faith)
- New patch (new teachings of Jesus) shouldn’t be attached to old garment (Old Testament laws) because combining the two will lead to a worse state (v16)
- New wine (new teachings of Jesus) should go into a new wineskin (born again believer), not the old religious self that cannot handle Jesus on its own (v17)
- Synagogue ruler (v18-19, v23-26)
- Daughter has died but believes Jesus can bring her back and acted on that faith.
- Have you accepted something as a finality OR do you have faith that Jesus can do the impossible?
- The world/other Christians may laugh at your faith but stand firm!
- Woman with internal bleeding (v20-22, Mark 5:25–34, Luke 8:43-48)
- No options left but she believed in Jesus and didn’t give up hope
- You haven’t tried everything until you have placed your trust and faith in Jesus and act on that faith.
- Two blind men (v27-31)
- Are you following Jesus and crying out to Him?
- Do you believe Jesus can help you?
- Yes we are loved by God because of Jesus BUT He responds to the measure of our faith in Him!
- Mute, demon possessed man (v32-34)
- Jesus shows authority over demon
- Crowds were amazed
- Pharisees attribute God’s power to satan: religion without Spirit-led relationship with God
- Jesus was always serving (v35)
- Are we always willing/ready to serve under the leading of the Holy Spirit OR are we too caught up in our physical limitations and/or busyness of life?
- Everyone needs Jesus! (v36-38)
- We are surrounded by people who are no different from the crowds Jesus has compassion on, the sheep without a shepherd.
- Are you/we prepared to go into the field to work AND are we asking God to raise up more workers?