CHRIST CALLS CHRISTIANS

Mark 2:13-20

Theme: The Servant in Capernaum

Key verse: v.8

28 verses; 724 words

Grade level: 5.9

1. The Lord Cures. vs.1-12

2. The Lord Calls. vs.13-20

3. The Lord Corrects. vs.21-28

Looking at God’s call we are taught some TRUTHS about the ministry.

I. There is Organization. Vs.13-14

Jesus taught those He could teach. v.13

13 And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.

All those Jesus uses are taught by Him personally .

All those Jesus uses are taught by Him privately.

Jesus reached those He could reach. v.14a

14 And as he passedby, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him,

Jesus called a working man.

Jesus bypassed deadbeats and still does.

Jesus called those He could call. v.14b

Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

Christ calls you to follow Him.

Christ never calls you to learn cults doctrine.

Christ never calls you to follow a crowd.

II. There is Opposition. Vs.15-16

A look at saved sinners. v.15

15 And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.

NIV, NRSV, AMP changes “his/him” for “Jesus” (every Greek text retains Ἰησοῦ which translated is Jesus)

A look at lost sinners. v.16

16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?

NLT changes “scum” for “sinners”

A listen to the Saviour. v.17

17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

The hardest Dr’s appointment is a well visit.

Christ wants us to give out the call to repentance.

Christ had enemies and they pointed out the worst of His followers. (They still do)

III. There is Obligation. Vs.18-20

Listen to other born again believers. v.18

18 And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

If you differ do so with clear Bible truth. v.19

19 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.

Consider how to act when others go through bad times. v.20

20 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

What should we do in tough times?

What do others do in tough times?

In storms the fishermen/disciples went to the basics of sailing.

In an earthquake the educated/disciple (Paul) announced his presence with a basic message.

In confusion about his his salvation Jesus gave Nicodemus a basic message.

After Jesus’ resurrection He gave us basic commands: go ye, preach,teach, be witnesses unto Him.