Faith and persistence what place do they have in your life? Faith and persistence need to go to hand in hand, as we see when we look at Mark 2:1-12
1. The people in Capernaum heard about Jesus and so they gathered eagerly to hear what He had to say to them, verse 1,2.
How eager are we to meet with Him? Are you meeting with Him in your own quiet time as well as gathering with other people on a regular basis to learn more of Him? Are you listening for what He has to say to you through His Word?
2. The men brought their friends to Jesus, verse 3.
Do we bring our friends to Jesus? Do we invite them to come to church or bible study or evangelistic meetings where they will learn of Him? Do we talk about Jesus and what He has done for us? Or do we let fear paralyze us?
3. The friends persisted and would not be discouraged by circumstances or the obstacles in front of them, verse 4.
What do we do when confronted by obstacles? Do we just give up or persist in faith? This verse spoke to me as we waited for contracts to be exchanged for the sale of our house and Satan tried to plant doubts, intimating it wasn’t going to happen. An obstacle or delay does not mean the situation is impossible but that we need to keep pressing on in faith as these men did.
4. Not only Jesus but others in the crowd witnessed this feat of faith, verse 5.
Do others see this persistent faith in us, when we encounter difficulties and obstacles in our way forward?
5. Jesus knew the doubts of the teachers of the law and He did everything possible to help them believe His Words and accept His authority, verses 6-11.
Do we believe Jesus is the ultimate authority in our situation or that of friends or family who we bring to Him? What evidence do we have on which to base that belief? We have Jesus own words, John 14:6, God’s witness of his son, Matthew 17:5,the works or miracles of Jesus John 10:38, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit 2 Corinthians:1:22.
6. Jesus spoke, and the man who had been healed instantly obeyed, verse 12. How different is his reaction to that of the leper in the previous chapter?
When Jesus speaks are you as quick to obey?
7. The power and authority of Jesus was evident in the man’s changed life. The people were amazed and praised God, as they saw the difference in this man who had been paralyzed.
When our lives are changed do people see the power of Jesus and give God the praise?
Please visit these related blogs from Mark’s gospel
A Pattern of Power, Prayer And Preaching
Seven Lessons About Teaching and the Authority of Jesus
Or visit this related blog
Sorry God, I’m Just Too Busy