Responding To The Cries Of The Wounded

Responding To The Cries Of The Wounded

Bethel Christian Ministries

Pastor Dan Peterson

Responding To The Cries Of The Wounded

Mark 4:35- 5:5

Introduction.

1. Jesus came to preach the gospel and set the captives free.

Luke 4:14-19 – Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit and prophetically described the reason for His coming.

1. After His resurrection Jesus prepared his disciples to do the same.

1. God has never intended the church to sit idly by waiting for His coming.
2. One Son (Jesus) was sent to do redeeming work;  But many sons are sent to do rescuing work.)

Mark 16:14-18 – Before His ascension Jesus gave specific instructions for work to be done.

Acts 1:4-8 – With the instructions came the authority and power to get the job done.

When the power came the people stayed. (In Jerusalem)

When the threats came the people prayed.

When the persecution came the people obeyed. Acts 8:1-4

1. The background to our text in Mark 4 is all about harvest and evangelism.  

I. Cross Over To The Other Side When You Hear The Cry!  Mark 4:35, Mark 5:5

1. The size and geography of the Sea of Galilee made it very possible for Jesus to hear the cries of a demon possessed man at night.

1. There are the cries of the wounded.

1. The word “Crying” - “krazo”, (Greek) a primary verb -  means to “croak” (as a raven) or scream, i.e. (genitive) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, entreat) :- cry (out)
2. There is the sound of the wounded in the city.

Job 24:12 – “The dying groan in the city, and the souls of the wounded cry out; Yet God does not charge them with wrong.”

1. The priest and the Levite would not cross the road for a wounded man. Luke 10:30-35       Anyone with a good Samaritan heart will!

II. Any Commitment To Reach The Wounded Encounters Resistance. Mark 4:37

1. The Wind or Storm of Opposition.    

Compare these verses Matthew 14:24; Matthew 8:26-27 and Acts 27:13-44

Just as real as the wind of God, there is the wind of opposition. These are contrary winds which keep you from your destination. Satan’s force of darkness is let loose to resist the spreading of the gospel.

1. Satan hinders the preaching of the gospel.

Matthew 13:19 – “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.”

2 Corinthians 4:4 – “Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.”

1. Jesus has power to rebuke the wind!  Mark 4:39

III. Our Ultimate Calling Is To Reach The Wounded and Tell Them What Jesus Has Done For Us!  Mark 5:1-2

Steps to reaching and ministering to the wounded:

1. Be ready to rearrange your priorities.

Acts 3:1-9 – Peter & John on their way to daily prayer adjusted their schedule.

1. Daily ask the Lord for a love for people.

2 Corinthians 5:14 – “For the love of Christ compels us….”

Matthew 9:35-38 – “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”

1. Pray for boldness.

Boldness is needed for Divine appointments which require faith.  Romans 10:17

Acts 4:29-30 – “Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus."

1. Keep you heart open to whomever, whenever and wherever.

Peter had to overcome his prejudice towards the Gentiles.  Acts 10:9-48

1. Keep your eyes and ears open to see what God is doing.

Acts 14:8-10 – Paul observed a man who had faith to receive healing.