A Remarkable Ministry Series

And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached (ëáëÝù-imp aor) the word to them.

Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered (de-roof the roof) the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed (êñÜâáôïò-poor man’s pallet) on which the paralytic was lying.

When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven (Üϕßçìé-to release, to send away) you." And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning (äéáëïãßîïìáé-to reason, debate, to balance accts.) in their hearts, "Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone? "But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, "Why do you reason about these things in your hearts?” Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk'? "But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"--He said to the paralytic, "I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house."

Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed (over-awed; knocked senseless) and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

Mark 2:1-12/MT 9:1-8

A Remarkable Ministry

Introduction – The Best Day Ever

There’s the story of the woman who woke up one morning and as she saw her husband getting ready to leave for work she said, with a big smile on her face, “Honey, I’ll bet you don’t know what day this is.” Her husband had a hard time remembering birthdays and anniversaries, but since he was about to leave for work he excused himself from the embarrassing situation by walking out of the door while saying, “Honey, how could I ever forget? This is the best day of our lives.” All during the day he kept trying to remember what month and what day his wife’s birthday was, and when their anniversary was, but he could not remember. The day wore on and it was getting close to time to get off from work and he knew he was going to have to go home and face his wife not

knowing what made this day so special. He finally thought of a plan to save his hide. He rushed into the house and said, “Honey, get your best dress on. We are going to paint the town red to celebrate this outstanding day in our lives!” While she was getting ready he rushed down to the florist and bought her a lovely bouquet of flowers. He took her to the most expensive restaurant in town. He had spent $150.00 to celebrate this day and he didn’t even know what he was celebrating. It was on the way home that he finally discovered what day it was. His wife snuggled real close to him, placed her arm around his shoulder, planted a soft kiss on his cheek and said, “Honey, this is the best Groundhog Day that we have ever enjoyed together.”

Every day with Jesus is the best day ever. This day really stands out because another life was radically changed.

Jesus begins the day in a house full of people sharing the living words of the Living God. Jesus was in the house and something was about to happen.

First, we see…

A Ministry of Explanation (1-2)

His words were Personal. Jesus met people where they were. He knew the heart of men and knew what their needs are. He does not deal in the abstract. He ministers to the mind and heart of everyone.

We also find His words Practical. He spoke words about man and his need for a redeemer. He preached concerning the kingdom of God.

His words were Eternal because people knew He had something to say. His words had depth to them. Scripture says that “never a man spoke like Him.”

Jesus was there to offer reconciliation. He offers us an opportunity to be right with God. Matthew 9:2b says, “Take courage, my son, your sins are forgiven.” Only God can forgive sin.

Second there was a…

Ministry of Interruptions for Jesus (3-4)

I don’t know about you but I dislike interruptions. I lovingly refer to them as God-cidences in my life.

Four men brought their friend to be touched by Jesus. The crowds made it impossible for them to get to Jesus. They did whatever was necessary to get their friend to Jesus. They would tear down the house!