We Never Saw It On This Fashion

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. We Never Saw Such a Man

2. We Never Saw Such a Multitude

3. We Never Saw Such a Miracle

Remarks.

1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme: “We never saw it on this fashion.” This miracle of the paralytic is mentioned in Matthew, Mark and Luke’s gospels. Mark, wrote for the Gentiles audience; a gospel of action (full of immediately, straightway, forthwith, and, etc.). He was the “son of Simon Peter”; in the same fashion as “Timothy was the son of Paul.” Each was the converts of these great men of God. Mark was also the nephew of Barnabas and a fellow-laborer. Mark however, was not an apostle of Christ; but a minister of the gospel. This gospel bears his name; he was the writer of this remarkable book; written for the Gentile audience, a gospel of the actions and accomplishments of Jesus. It was written about 63 A.D., possibly in Rome; for the Romans.

2. First, we will consider the witness of Jesus, “we never saw such a man.” Mark’s gospel is one of Jesus’ preaching and healing. The people would utter, “We never saw it on this fashion.” Christ, the minister of both the Jews and the Gentiles; the sick and diseased; the blind and cripple. The Great Physician has come to “seek and to save that which was lost,” Luke 19:10. We find Him now returning to Capernaum; after a brief rest. He earlier withdrew from the multitude, to spend time in prayer with His Father. When exhausted, God’s servants will seek strength that comes from Him alone, Isaiah 49:5; Psalms 121:1; Philippians 4:13.

3. Second, we will discuss the scene’s condition, “we never saw such a multitude.” The men that carried the man sick of palsy; no doubt was taken back by the multitude that surrounded the house, where Jesus was preaching and healing all the sick that came unto Him. Although challenged by the “press” they were not deterred. Unable to get to the man to Jesus by way of the door, because of the people; they found a way to get him to Jesus. They went upon the roof and tore open the tile and clay; large enough, so as, to let the man down with ropes; before Jesus. Mark wrote: “When Jesus saw their faith: he said Son, thy sins be forgiven thee,” Mark 2:5. His statement would set off a “firestorm of criticism and accusations,” from the Jewish leaders.

4. Lastly, we will investigate the peoples’ comment, “we never saw it on this fashion” or “we never saw such a miracle as this one.” They witnessed Jesus healing a man who had been afflicted with palsy. But, there were others healed before this man; what made this miracle so different? We will answer this question later. This man who was brought to Jesus: being borne upon his bed; would leave the presence of Jesus, carrying his own bed. As far as we know, he returned home, with his four friends; not being carried, but walking beside them with great rejoicing. He came to Jesus afflicted; he left forgiven and delivered from his sins and the palsy. Many here today are afflicted with some kind of sickness; and the disease of sin. You too can leave this place healed and forgiven. I will explain how at the end of this lesson. With this brief introduction, let’s now consider our first point.

BODY OF LESSON

I WE NEVER SAW SUCH A MAN

A. When it was noise abroad. Mark records: “And again He entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house,” Mark 2:1.

1. Jesus has return to Capernaum. This was Jesus’ base of operation.

2. The city of Capernaum lay on the northwest side of the Sea of Galilee. It was this city, Jesus used as His home base. From here He:

a. Called Simon and Andrew to become fishers of men. And, “straightway they forsook their nets, and followed Him,” Mark 1:16-18. Mark said: “immediately they left their nets and followed Him.” This speaks to the urgency of their call and upcoming work in “preaching and healing of the sick and diseased.”

b. Later called James and John, the sons of Zebedee; who were mending their nets, with their father and hired servants. Notice: “And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him,” Mark 1:19-20. They left their father to follow Jesus. What are you willing to leave to follow Jesus? Matthew 16:24-26.

c. Called working men. Are you catching any of this: “Jesus called men who were busy; whose hands were creative; and not idle, with do nothingness?” I wish I had some help! Solomon wrote: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest,” Proverbs 9:10.