A Lesson on Authority Mark 3:20-27

A Lesson on Authority Mark 3:20-27 INTRO: Greetings; Wave and Greet; SCAMS; Series-“Teachings of Jesus” His teachings are familiar to us so this is a reminder. (SCAMS) 20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that He and His disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When His family heard about this, they went to take charge of Him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” 22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons He is driving out demons.” 23 So Jesus called them over to Him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house.

THE INFERIORITY OF PEOPLE People Talk to family against Jesus. (21) Family division Teachers of the Law talk against Jesus. (22) Follower Division Division is always from Satan. He divided FAMILIES Adam from Eve – SHAME; “YOU WILL BE LIKE GOD” Cain from Abel – JEALOUSY Joseph from his brothers – COVETEOUS SATAN still seeks to divide FOLLOWERS today. Race – Oppression of People of Color (Blacks; 1st Americans; Asian; Hispanics) Class – James 2 – Favoritism of the rich vs poor. Sex – GAL 3:28-29 - 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. BIGGEST DIVISION – OPINION – He cast out devils by a demonic power. Jesus is against division. He’s all about. UNITY (LOVE). RO 12:16-Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS – - refutes the idea of the teachers of the law. (23-26) “If a kingdom is divided against itself that kingdom can’t stand. Same with a house.” ILLUS: CHURCH HOUSE JESUS teaches His Authority (AND HIS ROLE) – (27) Authority and power are 2 different things. Power is a force needed to function. ILLUS: Refrigerator AUTHORITY is a RIGHT to direct and command. ILLUS: CHOIR DIRECTOR Jesus invites us to have life IN His Authority. JN 1:12 - to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. JN 6:37 - All those the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never drive away. JN 6:44 - no one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws them to Me, and at the last day I will raise them up. MT 11:28-30 - “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” DWELL IN MY AUTHORITY = REST FOR YOUR SOUL STAY PLUGGED IN; FOLLOW MY LEAD; DO YOUR PART.

CLOSE: A Lesson On Authority. Jesus TEACHES this parable to warn us about His Authority. YES! He is speaking to His followers NOT the teachers of the law. He is speaking to His Church today. Let’s not be caught up with DIVISONS. Let’s be captivated by the AUTHORITY of Christ.