Emory Baptist Church

At Death's Doorstep...

In January 1989, Don Piper was on his way back to Alvin, Texas from a church planting conference at Trinity Pines Conference Center around Lake Livingston.  Don was an associate pastor at South Park Baptist Church in Alvin and was considering starting his own church.  Instead of the normal way home from Trinity to Alvin, he decided to take Hwy. 19 out of Trinity through Huntsville, and on the old Trinity Bridge, his 1986 red Ford Escort was hit head on by an eighteen-wheeler operated by the Texas Department of Corrections.  This bridge was well known for being long and having no shoulders.  The truck sandwiched his small car between the bridge railing and the driver’s side of the truck.  All those wheels went right on top of his car and smashed it.

 

The accident report stated that the impact of collision was about 110 miles an hour.  The semi was traveling 60 miles an hour, and Don was traveling 50 miles an hour.  The truck driver didn’t have a scratch on him.  However, Don was killed instantly.  In one powerful, overwhelming second, he died.

 

Those were his words that he wrote on page 20 of his book “90 Minutes in Heaven.”  That’s right.  For 90 minutes, Don Piper was dead, but today, he is alive after two resuscitations, 34 surgical procedures, and $6 million dollars in medical bills.  He is living proof that Jesus is the master over death.

 

On the pages of the NT, we find another story reminding us that Jesus is master over death as well.  We have seen in recent weeks that Jesus is master over disasters like the storms of life.  He is master over the demonic like Bro. Ronnie preached last week.  Next Sunday, we will see that Jesus is master over disease, and today, we are reminded that Jesus is master over death.

 

Remember that in May, we saw what Jesus said.  In June, we are seeing what Jesus did.  In May, we saw His words.  In June, we are seeing His works, and He is master over all.

 

This morning, let’s make five observations in this story about Jairus’ daughter. 

 

 

1. A Petition that was Urgent, 5:21-24

21 Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. 22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” 24 So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him

 

Jesus and His disciples had now crossed back over the Sea of Galilee after calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee.  Like before, the crowds found Him and wanted to be around Him. 

 

In verse 22, we are introduced to Jairus.  He was a ruler of the local Jewish synagogue, probably in Capernaum. 

 

This meant that he took physical care of the synagogue and planned the worship services.  This was more of an administrative role rather than a priestly role. 

 

He probably was present for Jesus did back in 3:1 and came to Jesus with an urgent petition or request.

 

Mark 3:1, 1 And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand.

 

Verse 23 tells us that Jairus begged Jesus earnestly to save his little daughter.  He didn’t just ask once.  He asked again and again and again.  I can’t even imagine being in Jairus’ shoes in this situation. 

 

Luke 8:42 tells us that this was Jairus’ only daughter, and she was about 12 years old.  Mark also tells us that she was at the point of death, close to death, knocking on death’s door.

 

In verse 24, Jesus appears to oblige Jairus’ request.  Jesus headed with Jairus back to his house to physically heal his daughter.  As He went, Jesus was surrounded or thronged by the massive amounts of people.

 

Then, the unthinkable happened.  When time was of the essence, Jesus got delayed in the crowd.  People wouldn’t let Him through.  Can you imagine what Jairus was thinking? 

 

Come back next Sunday as we look at this divine interruption sandwiched between two scenes with Jairus and his daughter.  Not only is Jesus master of disasters and demons and death.  He is also master over disease.

 

 

2. A Perception that was Usual, 5:35-38

35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”  36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” 37 And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly.

 

 

According the story, it seemed that the unthinkable had happened.  Jesus didn’t get to the girl in time.  She had died or at least that was the report that Jairus received in verse 35.  I can’t even imagine. 

 

Once Jairus’ daughter died, the rest of the family gave up, and you and I would have also.  That was usual or normal.  There was no reason to bother Jesus any longer.

 

In 5:38, the professional mourners had already arrived, and they were making plans for burial.  Verse 38 would be the equivalent of our visitation at the funeral home.  The girl had died and now the people and family were coming to pay their last respects.

 

When Jesus suggested that the girl was not really dead, those gathered at the house laughed at Him.  Verse 40 literally says they laughed in His face because of His stupidity.  Of course, the girl was dead and there was nothing that could be done now.

 

Everyone in attendance knew that this girl had died.  There was no breathing.  There was no pulse.  She was dead.

 

Those trying to discount the miraculous and the supernatural have said that she just slipped into a coma.  Notice 5:23 when Jairus said she was at the point of death or literally at death’s door.  Matthew 9:18 records Jairus as saying she has died.

 

Matthew 9:18, 18 While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.”

 

In 5:35, the report from Jairus’ home was that she had died.   In 5:38, it is obvious that her family thought she had died. 

 

In Luke 8:55, when Jesus healed her, it says that her spirit returned.  Undoubtedly, she was dead.

 

Luke 8:55, 55 Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat.

 

 

3. A Prescription that was Unheard Of, 5:36

36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”

 

5:36 carries the idea that Jesus heard the report from Jairus’ house, and He ignored it.

 

He then did the unthinkable.  He said to Jairus something we heard Him say previously after calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee.  He said to Jairus, “Don’t be full of fear.  Be full of faith!”

 

Jairus had believed enough to come and find Jesus and beg him to come to his house in 5:23. Jesus encouraged Jairus to keeping believing, keep having that faith.  This story wasn’t over yet.

 

 

4. A Proclamation that was Unorthodox, 5:37, 39-42

37 And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. 39 When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.”  40 And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. 41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement. 43 But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.

 

Jesus was about to do the supernatural.  He was about to perform a miracle.  He was about to show that He was the master over death.

 

In 5:37, for the first time, we see the inner circle of Peter, James, and John, and Jesus wanted them to be on hand for what was about to take place.  Maybe the others had to stay back for crowd control.

 

These three would have also satisfied Deuteronomy 19:15.

 

Deuteronomy 19:15, …by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.

In 5:39, Jesus entered the house and asked about all the commotion and the weeping and the wailing.  He then made the unorthodox proclamation that the girl was not dead but sleeping.

 

Remember we looked a moment ago at the reality of her death.  More than likely, Jesus was not speaking absolutely but from His own perspective.  To everyone else, she was dead.  To Him, who was able to make her alive again, she was not dead but only sleeping.

 

5:40 says they began laughing at Him.  They began laughing in His face.

 

But He made them leave the room and brought in the three disciples and her parents.  They were about to witness a life restored.

 

5:41 says Jesus took her by the hand said to her, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”  Immediately she did.  Luke tells us that they gave her something to eat.

 

Luke 8:55, 55 Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat.

 

 

5. A Prohibition that was Understandable, 5:43

43 But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.

 

In verse 43, we may not initially understand what Jesus did, but think about it.  Jesus wanted protection from His enemies.  Jesus wanted protection from the crazies.

 

Therefore, He tried to slow the hysteria. 

 

 

Conclusion

First, Jesus is the master over physical death.  It happened here in Mark 5.  It happened with Lazarus in John 11.  It happens in hospitals all over.  It happened with Don Piper.

 

Second, Jesus’ timing is perfect, and ours is not.  We may be frustrated with what we think is God’s inactivity or failure.  However, it may simply be that His time hasn’t come yet, and His is always better than ours.

 

Third, Jesus is the master over spiritual death.  Because He is the master over physical death and was resurrected, He provides mastery or victory over spiritual death.

 

You must realize that if you have never received Christ as your personal Lord and Savior that you are spiritually dead.

 

Ephesians 2:1-4, And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

 

If you are spiritually dead, the only way to eternal life is through personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

 

1 Corinthians 15:54-57, 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”  55 “O Death, where is your sting?  O Hades, where is your victory?”  56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

 

Fear or Faith?

In the recent weeks of our study in Mark’s gospel, we have seen much of Jesus’ words or what Jesus said.  Beginning today and for the month of June, we are going to see Jesus’ works or what Jesus did.

 

Today, we are going to see that Jesus is Lord over disasters, natural disasters.  When I say that He is Lord over, I mean that is stronger than or more powerful than.  In the coming weeks, we will also see that Jesus is Lord over demons and death and disease. 

 

As it relates to today’s text, Mark 4:335-41, the Bible uses stories of storms to encourage the body of Christ about difficulties of life.  Storms of life may include marital problems, problems at work, with your employer, with your employees, with coworkers; problems with family, children at home, children who are grown; loss of a loved one; loss of a spouse; physical ailment; major decisions to be made or financial struggles.

 

A fact of life is that every person in the room is currently in one of three situations.  You are in a storm.  You just came out of a storm or you’re about to go into a storm. 

 

I believe today’s text is from an eyewitness to the situation.  More than likely we are hearing from Peter as he saw all of today’s events unfold.  Only Mark, with Peter’s testimony, tells us about these other little boats in verse 36 and this pillow in verse 38 and includes this verbal rebuke of Jesus at the end of verse 38.

 

 

Exposition

We see from this text that Jesus is 100% human.  4:35 tells us that when evening came, He wanted to take a little trip.  He wanted to go to the other side of the lake.  This is the Lake of Galilee or the Sea of Galilee.

 

4:36 tells us that He and His disciples left the crowd behind.  Why did He want to leave the crowd?  I would say that He was just worn out!  His day had consisted of the following:  3:20-30 says that He was accused of being demon possessed; 3:31-35 was the attempted kidnapping by his mother and brothers; 4:1-34 was His all-day teaching and explanation of five parables: the parable of the soils, the lamp, the measure, the mysteriously growing seed, and the mustard seed.

 

4:36 also tells us that after He was finished with the parables, they didn’t go back to shore.  They went as He was to the other side. 

 

Once they got the boat to the other side, Jesus immediately went to sleep.  Jesus slept.  Jesus got tired, and He slept.  How tired and exhausted was He?  He was so tired and so exhausted that the storm that erupted in 4:37 didn’t even wake Him.

 

 

We see also from this text that Jesus is 100% God.  Let’s look again at this great windstorm in 4:37. The Lake of Galilee or Sea of Galilee is almost 700 ft. below sea level and surrounded on all sides by mountains and cliffs.  Therefore, large and violent storms were common.

 

The NASB says fierce gale of wind.  The KJV says great storm of wind.  The NIV says a furious squall.  Literally, this was a storm of hurricane or earthquake proportions.  The waves were breaking over the bow of the boat to such a degree that the boat was filling up with water.

 

All this time, Jesus was asleep because He was physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted, but He wasn’t asleep for long.

 

4:38 says that the disciples woke Him and rebuked Him.  Did He not care that their lives were in danger?  Did He not care that they were afraid of dying?  Why had He deserted them?

 

4:39 says Jesus got up and demonstrated that He was 100% God by rebuking the wind and saying to the sea, “Peace, be still.”  He literally said, “Be muzzled.”  This is actually the same word He used in Mark 1:25 when He spoke to a demon.  Therefore, this storm may have been a demonic attack.

 

Notice what happened.  Instantly, the wind stopped and the waters became perfectly calm.  Jesus performed two miracles not just one.

 

Then Jesus had some words for His disciples in 4:40. He asked them two questions.  Why are you so fearful?  How is it that you no faith? 

 

After all what had they already seen?  A demon was cast out in 1:25-26. Peter’s mother-in-law was healed in 1:31. There were other numerous healings in 1:34.  A leper was healed in 1:41.  A paralytic was healed in 2:11. A man with a withered hand was healed 3:5. 

 

They had seen no less than six miracles in two days, and yet these fishermen were scared for their lives out on the Sea of Galilee when this vicious storm came up.  By the way, when Jesus asked about their faith, His implication was not that more faith would have removed them from the storm.  His implication was that more faith would have reminded them who was in the boat with them.

 

 

Application & Conclusion

All across the room this morning, there are countless individuals and families experiencing their own storms of life. 

 

Let me share with you two invitations.  First, make sure that Jesus is in your boat.  If Jesus is in your boat, I can promise you that your boat won’t sink.

 

Second, stop being afraid and remember what Jesus promised.  That command not to fear or don’t fear is the most prolific command in the Bible with some 63 occurrences. 

 

Replace your fear with faith in Jesus’ promise not take you out of the storm but never to leave you or forsake you while you’re in the storm. 

Mustard Seed Future

Today, we come to the last of Jesus’ parables in Mark 4 and in Mark’s gospel.  Mark only included a relatively few parables compared to Matthew and Luke. 

 

Remember that a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning, and we are reminded of Jesus’ scope and purpose of His parables found in Mark 4:33-34.  Their ultimate purpose was to reveal or explain the Kingdom of God to those inside the Kingdom. 

 

Parables also served to conceal or confuse the truths of the Kingdom of God to the outsiders, those who willfully, intentionally, and purposefully rejected the Lord Jesus.

 

This morning’s parable is that of the mustard seed. I hate to take for granted that everyone understands the size of mustard seed.  Therefore, take a look at this.

 

Jesus spoke about the mustard seed on three different occasions.  In Matthew 17:14-20, He spoke about mustard seed faith.

 

Matthew 17:14-20, 14 And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.”  17 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.  19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”  20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

 

Jesus spoke about the mustard seed again in Luke 17:3-6.  This time, He spoke of mustard seed forgiveness.

 

Luke 17:3-6, 3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”  5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”  6 So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

 

Here in Mark 4, we are going to look at mustard seed future as it relates to the Kingdom of God.

 

 

Earthly Story

1. The mustard seed, 4:31a
   1. Not the Gospel like it has been in some previous parables
   2. The seed here is the Kingdom of God
      1. Eternal life in heaven
      2. Jesus’ earthly reign when He returns

• But also God’s presence in the life of Believers here and now on earth

1. This seed is the common black mustard seed
   1. Comparable to a fleck of black pepper or a grain of sand
   2. Takes 725-760 black mustard seeds to equal one gram

 

1. Was sown, 4:31b
   1. The black mustard seed was sown in the soil and began to grow
   2. In the same way, the Kingdom of God in Jesus had its own beginnings with His birth in Jerusalem

 

 

1. Smaller than all of the other seeds, 4:31c
   1. Again, the black mustard seed was extremely small.
   2. Jesus said that the black mustard seed was smaller than all the seeds that were upon the soil. It was the smallest seed His audience knew.
   3. He was not giving a lesson in botany
   4. He was not making an absolute statement
   5. He intended to speak comparatively

 

 

1. Even though it was small, it grew and became superior, greater than all herbs 4:32a
   1. When the black mustard seed was planted, it grew to into a shrub or tree that could be measured anywhere between six and fifteen feet tall
   2. Jesus said when it grows it becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large braches that provide shade for the birds of the air

 

 

1. The birds of the air find shade in this tree, 4:32b
   1. Who are the birds of the air?
   2. Even though the birds in previous parables, represent Satan, I think these birds are simply the insiders who find shade and comfort and rest in God’s Kingdom

 

 

Heavenly Meaning(s)

First, as I just said, in God’s Kingdom, in Jesus Christ, you can find shade and comfort and rest.  You don’t have to work any longer for God’s approval when you are in Christ. 

 

Second, bigger isn’t always better.  However, that is how we think.  We think a bigger house is better.  A bigger car is better.  A bigger truck is better.  A bigger church is better, and a bigger budget is better, and a bigger children’s ministry or youth ministry is better.

 

In this parable, smaller is superior. 

 

Third, it isn’t how you start as much as it is how you finish.  The mustard seed started small, but finished large and well. 

 

When these first century hearers heard “kingdom,” they had visions of grandeur in their eyes. 

 

However, let me remind you how Jesus began.

 

Luke 2:1-7, And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.  4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

 

And don’t forget how Jesus will finish.

 

Revelation 19:10-16, 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”  11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.  The seed is the kingdom of God, and even though it starts out small, when it is sown on the soil, it grows to be more than we could ever imagine.

 

Therefore, be encouraged brothers and sisters.  Find rest in Jesus Christ, God’s Kingdom in the flesh.  Bigger isn’t always better when smaller is superior, and it isn’t how you start but how you finish. 

 

Can We Believe When We Don't Understand?

This morning we continue to look at the parables of the Lord Jesus at the beginning of Mark’s gospel, and we have seen in recent weeks that parables are earthly stories with heavenly meanings.  Jesus used parables to reveal truths about life in the Kingdom of God to those who were insiders and to conceal truths about life in the Kingdom of God to those who had willfully and intentionally rejected Jesus’ calling on their life for salvation.

 

So far, we have heard the parable of the soils and the parable of the lamp and the parable of the measure.  Today, we will see another agrarian parable as Jesus often taught His people using these very familiar stories about farming. 

 

In Mark 4:26-29, I want to show you the parable of the growing seed.  However, let’s add mysterious to that to make it the parable of the mysteriously growing seed and answer this question.  Can you trust what you don’t understand?

 

This parable is again about life in the kingdom of God, and that what Jesus said in verse 26.  Let’s see this parable in three scenes. 

 

 

1.     The Sower Sows, Mark 4:26.

26 And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground…

 

Again, this parable revealed truths about the kingdom of God, which is not just heaven, but the invisible of here and now.  Jesus has done this previously, and we will see it again next Sunday.  See 4:11, 4:26, and 4:30.

Mark 4:11, 11 And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God…

 

Mark 4:26, 26 And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground…

 

Mark 4:30, 30 Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it?

 

In this first verse of the parable, we see the sower or the farmer who faithfully sowed or scatter seed in broadcast form on the ground. 

 

I would say that the sower represents every Christian, every follower of Christ, and the seed is the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is the good news of how to be saved, and we should regularly and continuously be sowing and scattering the seed of the gospel.

 

 

2. The Sower Waits, Mark 4:27-28.

27 and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. 28 For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head.

 

After the sower sows, he or she goes about his daily life.  He goes to bed at night.  She gets up in the morning.  He goes to work.  She goes to school. 

 

The something very strange happens.  The seed sprouts and grows.  This happens mysteriously.  The sower doesn’t even know or understand how this happens.

 

Verse 28 says the seed and the soil bring forth growth without any outside force.  The soil produces crop by itself or on its own.  The language of the NT uses the word that gives us automatic.  The crops come up automatically. 

 

The same word is used in Acts 12:10 to describe the gate that opened by itself in releasing Peter from prison.

 

Acts 12:10, 10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

Let me let you in on something.  God opened the gate in Acts 12, and God makes the seed grow in Mark 4.

 

1 Corinthians 3:6-7, 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.

 

 

3. The Sower Harvests, Mark 4:29.

29 But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

 

When the crop ripens or brings forth fruit or is ready, the sower puts in his sickle and harvests the crop.  The phrase “puts in his sickle” is used in John 4:38 to describe reaping a harvest of souls through witnessing.

 

38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”

 

 

Conclusions or Heavenly Meaning

As it relates to life in the kingdom of God, obeying is essential.  Witnessing is expected, and trusting is eminent.  By eminent, I mean of the utmost importance. 

 

We are trusting the Lord to sovereignly accomplish His purpose.  We must do our work, and trust God to do His.

 

The sower went about his daily life going to bed at night and getting up each day, and James 5:7-8, tells us to trust God by being patient.

 

James 5:7-8, 7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

 

Lamps, Baskets, and Beds

This morning, we continue looking at the parables of the Lord Jesus here at the beginning of Mark, and we will continue to do so for the next three Sunday mornings including today.  Today, we will look at the parable of the lamp and the parable of the measure.  Next week, we will look at the parable of the mysteriously growing seed, and the last Sunday of May, we will look at the parable of the mustard seed.

 

Remember that a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning, and parables have two purposes.  Their first purpose and ultimate purpose is to reveal truth about the kingdom of God to the insiders or to those who are saved.  Their second purpose is to conceal and confuse and bring judgment on the outsiders or those who willfully, purposefully, and intentionally reject Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

 

Today our text is Mark 4:21-25.  There are many who would consider these five verses to be just one parable, the parable of the lamp.  However, I would say there are two parables here.  The first certainly is the parable of the lamp in 4:21-23.  The next is the parable of the measure found in 4:24-25.  I believe these to be two separate parables because of the phrase used in 4:21, “Also He said to them…” and that same phrase used again in 4:24, “Then He said to them…”  This morning we will consider both.

 

I normally don’t take the liberty of looking at verses in a different order than they were written, but I am going to do that today.  I think it will benefit you and me both to consider verses 24-25 first and then verses 21-23.

 

 

25. Accepting the Word is Essential, 4:24-25.

24 Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. 25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

 

Here we have the parable of the measure, and Jesus began with the caution to be careful in to what we listen.  Without saying it directly, His encouragement is to listen to the Word.  Listen to the Word of God.

 

Be careful about listening to the thoughts of men.  Be careful about listening to those who are supposedly God’s men, but what they teach isn’t exactly Scripture.

 

The remainder of 4:24 basically says the more an insider listens to the Word and receives it, and distributes it, the more truth about Jesus will be revealed to him and or her.

 

Verse 25 offers even more insight.  Remember, these are insiders that to which Jesus is talking.  They are His disciples.  God will give more understanding to the man or woman who wants more of it. 

 

We have as much of Jesus as we desire.

 

On the other hand, if you have been given a little bit of revelation and understanding and you don’t use it and share it, that little revelation and understanding will be taken away. 

 

That doesn’t mean that anyone has lost his or her salvation.  However, let me ask this.  Who kind of person has terminal cancer and finds out the cure but doesn’t want to share the cure with others in the same condition? 

 

It means don’t expect to get more revelation if you aren’t going to share what you have been given.  Use it or lose it!

 

For some of you here this morning, you are blowing and going in your walk with Jesus.  You are meeting with Him daily.  You are taking in every sermon and every Bible study, and you are then turning around and sharing what you have been given.  You are ministering to those God has given to you.

 

On the other hand, some of you are as stagnate as you can be in your walk with God because you once were given guidance or direction or an assignment from God, and you didn’t do anything, and you are still aren’t doing anything and yet you wonder why things are so dry in your relationship with Christ.  They are dry because you never acted on what you had been given.  Use it or lose it.

 

Remember what Jesus said in John 14:15.

 

John 14:15, 15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

 

Accepting the word is essential to salvation and essential to receiving more.

 

 

2. Agreeing to Witness is Expected, 4:21-23.

21 Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? 22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

 

Notice again, Mark began this parable of the lamp with “Also He said to them…”

Think about this lamp.  It was a lighted wick in a shallow clay bowl full of oil.  It was normally placed on a shelf on the wall.  However, sometimes it was placed in the center of the house on a stand to light the entire home at night if it was a wealthier family.

 

Think about the basket.  It was used to carry flower or grain.  It didn’t have any holes in it.

 

The bed was literally a dining couch.  People reclined on them for eating purposes.

 

Jesus asked His first question in verse 21, and the right answer to the first question is “No.”  A lamp is not brought to be hidden under a basket or under a bed.  To hide it under a basket would put it out.  To hide it under a bed would risk catching the bed on fire.

 

Jesus then asked a second question in verse 21.  Also, the right answer to the second question is “Yes.” 

 

A lamp is brought to be put on the lampstand.  A lamp is brought to shine light.

 

Verse 22 has the heavenly meaning of this second parable.  Nothing is hidden except to be revealed.  Everything that is secret will come to light.  The ultimate purpose of parables is to reveal the kingdom of God to insiders.

 

In verse 23, Jesus summoned the insiders to hear and take it to heart.

 

The first application is that as an insider, you are expected to witness to your saving relationship with Jesus Christ.  It should not be an option.  I would even go so far to say that if a Christian is silent, there must be a question of whether he or she is truly saved.

 

A lamp is not brought to be hidden under a basket or brought to be put under the bed.  It is brought to be put on the lampstand.

 

The great commission is found in every gospel and from the words of Jesus our Lord.

 

Matthew 28:19, 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

 

Mark 16:15, 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

 

Luke 24:46-48, 46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things.

 

John 20:21, 21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”

 

The second application is that if you are really a Christian, it will be obvious.  Some commentators say the “lamp” in verse 21 is Jesus.  It certainly could be. 

 

If Jesus is the lamp inside of you, there will be no such thing as keeping my faith from my politics.  People should know if you are a Christian president or lawyer or teacher or coach or doctor or small business owner or whatever. 

 

Agreeing to witness is expected.

 

 

Conclusion

First of all, accepting the word is essential.  That begins with accepted the word that Jesus is the only way to peace with the Father.  See Romans 5:1.

 

Romans 5:1, Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Then, if you are going to grow as a follower of Christ, you must accept and obey the word of God, and then God will give you more and more to accept and obey.

 

Consequently, if you aren’t going to accept and obey what He has already given you, don’t expect Him to give you more when you’re not following what you have.

 

Secondly, agreeing to witness is expected.  If you have accepted the word, it is expected that you will be a witness to the life-changing message of the gospel.  Anything else is unthinkable.

 

 

Good Dirt for Listening Ears

Why Parables?

I want to begin by saying that our text for the morning is a rather difficult text even though it is only three verses.  Therefore, I need you to really pay close attention.  I am not going to be long this morning, and I am going to try to be as simple and plainspoken as I can be.

 

In May, we are going to look at four parables in Mark’s gospel starting next week with the Parable of the Sower or the Soils and the Parable of the Lamp and the Parable of the Growing Seed and the Parable of the Mustard Seed.  However, before we get to May and those parables, I want to try and explain what is a parable and explain why Jesus used parables.

 

Therefore, I want to pray for clarity on my part and understanding for you.  Then, I am going to answer five questions that I think you might have regarding this passage.  If you have more or one that I don’t address, talk to me afterward or email it to me.

 

 

Exposition

1. What is a parable? Mark 4:10

10 But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable.

 

Dr. Jimmy Pritchard has said for years and years that “a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.”  Next week, you’re going to hear an earthly story about a farmer sowing seed into various kinds of soils.  These first century hearers would have completely identified with such.

Jesus would use these common stories about everyday objects or activities that His audience would know or recognize, and these earthly stories communicated or illustrated or explained a heavenly or spiritual meaning. 

 

His parables could also be seen as analogies, and His parables often contained similes.  A simile is a comparison using like or as.  In May, you will hear Jesus say, “The kingdom of heaven is like…”  That wording will introduce a parable.

 

In the parable of the sower and the soils, that sower is a symbol.  The seed is a symbol.  The four different types of soil are symbolic.  Jesus evens explained the meaning of that parable, and it has a heavenly meaning. 

 

So again, a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. 

 

 

2. What is a mystery and what was the mystery of the kingdom of God? Mark 4:11a

11 And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God…

 

A mystery can be something that will never be explained or understood.  However, in the Bible, it is something that can only be communicated through special revelation.    

 

The mystery of the Kingdom of God here in Mark is not a mystery in the sense that it can’t be understood, but it is a secret that not everyone yet knew.

 

The mystery of the Kingdom of God is that Jesus Christ was and is the Messiah.  He is the Son of God.  He is the Savior of the world.  The Kingdom of God is only accessed through Him. 

 

There are also others mysteries of the kingdom of heaven that are revealed in the New Testament.  First, 1 Corinthians 15:51 says believers will have glorified bodies in heaven. 

 

Second, Ephesians 5:32 says that the relationship between Christ and His Church is a mystery in that Jesus, a Jew, is in an intimate relationship with anyone who would surrender their life to Him including Gentiles. 

 

Third, Colossians 2:2 says the Trinity is a mystery.  God the Father is God, and Jesus Christ, the Son, is God. 

 

Finally, 1 Timothy 3:9 speaks of the mystery of faith.  That is a person can be and is saved by the grace of God through personal faith in Jesus Christ.  Therefore, again, Jesus used and uses parables to reveal mysteries to His disciples.

 

 

3. Who were the insiders? Mark 4:10-11a

10 But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable. 11 And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God…

 

That is not a word that you find in this verses, but the idea is here.  The insiders were His disciples.  The NASB actually uses the word “followers.”  This was a large group that included the smaller group of the twelve. 

Today, the insiders are those who are saved.  They have received Jesus Christ as their Messiah.  They have understood the mystery of the Kingdom God through recognizing Jesus as Lord and Savior.

 

However, being an insider doesn’t mean you never have questions.  Next week, the insiders won’t understand the parable at first, and they will need further explanation.  An insider is one who is willing to ask questions and go to Jesus for the answers and accept His answers in faith.

 

 

4. Who were the outsiders? Mark 4:11b

…but to those who are outside, all things come in parables…

 

In the second part of verse 11, Jesus mentioned “those who are outside.”  Presumably, that is outside the Kingdom of God.  Therefore, an outsider is one who purposefully and diligently rejects the gospel of Christ. 

 

In this context, the scribes who came down from Jerusalem who accused Jesus of being demon-possessed were outsiders.

 

Today, lost people are outsiders, and they don’t understand the ways of God, and they don’t understand what it means to be lost and in need of a savior.  They don’t understand many, if not all, of the things that you I know but take for granted in being saved.

Remember what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.

 

1 Corinthians 1:18-25, 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”  20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

 

 

5. What are the purposes of parables? Mark 4:12

12…so that ‘Seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand; Lest they should turn, and their sins be forgiven them.’”

 

In 4:12, Jesus quoted from Isaiah 6:9-10.  The context is the call of Isaiah.  The Lord let Isaiah know that even though he was called to preach to Israel, many Jews would not listen, and therefore, show that they don’t care.

 

In this verse, Jesus basically said that even though lost people see the gospel and hear the message, they don’t get it.  They don’t understand.  They don’t comprehend because they have rejected the grace of God in their lives.

 

Therefore, the parables of Christ have two purposes.

 

First of all, they reveal more of Christ and His kingdom to those who are saved.  If you are saved, the parables in the four gospels give us phenomenal insight into the mysteries of His kingdom.

 

Secondly, they confuse.  When people see yet choose not to understand or hear and choose not to listen, God uses parables as a kind of judgment on those who are outsiders.  They remain confused until they decide to surrender to Jesus.

 

Just as there are today, there were plenty in the first century who did not follow Jesus as Lord and Savior.  In other words, they rejected Him and His claims and works.  Therefore, Jesus used parables to conceal or hide truth from them and also to judge them.  He used parables like a door.  You can see through a window and to what is on the other side.  You can’t see through a door.  Their inability to understand was a judgment for their initial unbelief.

 

 

Conclusion

Now, let me close with two applications.  Relating to parables, Jesus said in Matthew 1312 for whoever has, to him more will be given.  However, whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.  In short, you have to act on what God has given you or told you. 

 

If you are here today and you have heard they gospel and you a refusing to answer the call to salvation, your time to be saved is drawing to close.  Every day, you get one day closer to the end of your life.  Eventually, God’s chances for you are going to run out.  Call on the name of the Lord today.  Be saved today.  Surrender your life to Jesus today.

 

Another application is for those who have been born again.  When God tells you to do something, if you do it, God will continue to lead you and guide you.  However, if God gives you instruction and guidance and you don’t do it or you reject it, God will eventually stop giving you wisdom and guidance.

 

Allow me to illustrate.  Let’s say a husband is having an affair with his secretary.  He then is given an opportunity to relocate his family to another location of the company for more money but it would mean moving to another state in another part of the country.  If he were to ask God in prayer what he should do, I think God would remind Him to stop the affair first, and wouldn’t give any further guidance until that was obeyed.

 

Let’s say a wife and mother is asking God to protect her and her family from rumors at school and in the community.  However, she is right in the middle of the gospel circle at her Thursday night Bunko Group.  I don’t believe God will answer her prayer for protection until she stops the gossiping that she is doing.

 

My final example is for teenagers.  I think it is futile and a waste of time for teenagers to ask God where to go to college when those same teenagers are sleeping with their boyfriend or girlfriend. 

Act on what God has already told you.  Then after you do that, more understanding and guidance will be given to you.  If you refuse to act on what God has already said, don’t expect God to continue to lead and guide your life.

 

Therefore, parables can do one thing for believers and a completely different thing for lost people.  How will you respond today to God’s Word?

Blood is Thicker than Blood!

For the first time in Mark’s Gospel, we see a writing technique that is often called sandwiching.  Last week, we were introduced to an experience with Jesus and His family.  However, Mark broke away from that experience to tell us about another experience with Jesus and the Scribes. 

 

Today, we return to Jesus and His family. 

 

Have you ever heard the statement, “Blood is thicker than water?”  It is a popular idiom that dates back to 12^th century Germany.  It means that family (blood) relationships are more important, more significant and stronger than relationships with others including friends, team mates, co-workers, etc.  Biological family is blood, and non-family is water.

 

You may have experienced or heard of situations like the following. 

 

“When my best friend and my brother got into a fight, I had to help my brother because blood is thicker than water.”

 

“Friends will come and friends will go, but your family will always be there for you.  Therefore, blood is thicker than water.”

 

However, I would say to this morning and from this text that blood is thicker than blood.  What on earth do I mean?  I mean that the blood of Christ that bonds the church together is thicker, more important, more significant and stronger than the blood that bonds families.

 

I want to share three truths with you this morning from this text in a message entitled, “Blood Is Thicker Than Blood!”

 

 

1. When you choose to follow Christ, family will not always understand, Mark 3:20-21.

20 Then the multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. 21 But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, “He is out of His mind.”

 

We looked at these verses two Sundays ago, and Mark kept us in suspense by inserting this additional scene with the scribes coming down from Jerusalem and accusing the Lord Jesus of being demon-possessed.

 

Remember from 3:19 that Jesus returned to Capernaum and specifically to Peter and Andrew’s house.  There were so many people who wanted to see Him and listen to Him and touch Him that He and His disciples didn’t even have time to eat a meal.

 

In 3:21, we see Jesus’ family.  This could be extended family in Capernaum or it could be His immediate family including His mother and His half-brothers.  3:21 tells us that they went to take custody of Him or get Him because they were afraid that He had lost His mind.  Remember, they had heard about all that was going on, but they didn’t understand. 

 

When you choose to follow after Christ, and your life changes and your priorities change, your family members might think you have lost your mind as well.

 

 

Even though I grew up in a Christian home, my life radically changed after my freshman year in college.  For the first time, I found out what it meant to walk with Christ on a daily basis, and from that point forward Jesus affected everything about me.

 

When my high school friends found out that I was going to be a pastor, I had several of them call me and ask me to perform their weddings.  However, I had developed several convictions regarding marriage, and I wasn’t just going to perform any and all weddings.

 

Both parties had to be Christians per 2 Corinthians 6.  Under no circumstances was I going to marry a Christian and a non-Christian, and these were some of my best friends from high school, and my family just couldn’t understand why I would say no.

 

Another requirement that I had was that the two individuals could not be living together before the wedding.  Living together before the wedding is almost always a sure sign of sexual immorality.  I had some family members call me arrogant and judgmental because they didn’t understand the Scriptures.

 

If you have chosen to follow Christ or choose today to follow Christ and your life radically changes like it should, I can promise your family will not always understand your new way of living.

 

They won’t understand the change in language and the change in drinking and the change in money management and the change in morality and the change in friends and the change in recreation preferences.

 

When you choose Christ, family doesn’t always understand.

 

 

2. When you choose to follow Christ, family will sometimes try to take you away or deter you, Mark 3:31-32.

31 Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. 32 And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You.” 

 

We saw it first in 3:21 and now again in 3:31-32.  Notice again in verse 21 that the family of Jesus was very specific in their intent.  They went out to take custody of Him or arrest Him.

 

In 3:31 we see that His family consisted of Mary and His brothers.  More than likely, Joseph had died by this time.  Once they had arrived from Nazareth in Capernaum at Peter’s house, they sent word into the crowded house for Jesus.  They had come to take their boy home.

3:32 says the word finally got to Him, “Jesus, your momma is here, and she is looking for you.”  His family wanted to take Him away from this crowd and this ministry.  They didn’t understand, and they wanted to rescue Him and keep Him from being involved anymore.  When you choose Christ, family sometimes tries to take you away or deter you.

 

Growing up, my mom’s side of the family always had their Christmas on Christmas Eve night.  We gathered at my grandmother’s house and ate finger foods and did some small gift exchanges. 

 

When I started seminary and serving on local church staff, the churches that I served had Christmas Eve services.  I always choose to be at my church rather than my grandmother’s because I felt that blood was thicker than blood.  The blood of Christ that unites the church is thicker than the blood that I share with aunts and uncles and cousins.

 

However, my mom’s side of the family could never understand this.  They would always try to get me to come and be with them on Christmas Eve night when I wanted to be with my church.

 

If you choose Christ, be certain that your family just might try to take you away from your church. 

 

On a similar note, there is a movement today that is pro-family, and I hear me say that I am pro-family.  However, I cringe church members say to me, “We aren’t coming to church tonight or on this Sunday because we need to spend time as a family.” 

 

According to Jesus Christ here in Mark 3, your biological family should not come before your church family.  Blood is thicker than blood, and when you take your family out of church to spend time together alone, I believe you are doing that which is contrary to the Word of God.  If you want to spend time together as family, there is no better place than the church of Jesus Christ.

 

 

3. When you choose to follow Christ, family is redefined, Mark 3:33-35.

33 But He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?” 34 And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”

In 3:33, Jesus asked a rhetorical question?  The answer seemed obvious to this Jewish crowd.  Of course, Mary was His mother and her sons were His brothers.

 

However, in 3:34, He looked at those gathered all around Him, and Matthew even tells us that He motioned to them with His hand.  He said these gathered here are My mother and brothers. 

 

Who was He talking about?  He was talking about the twelve disciples or apostles in verse 34, and then He broadened it in 3:35.  Whoever does the will of God is Jesus’ brother and sister and mother.

 

Jesus is not anti-family.  He loves His family.  On the cross, He was so concerned about Mary’s future after He was gone that He entrusted her to John.  Jesus can’t be anti-family because God is not anti-family.  God instituted the family in Genesis 1.  God is the founder of the family.  Jesus is not anti-family.

 

At the same time, Jesus is pro-church.  I am not necessarily talking about these four walls.  I am talking about these people.  Jesus is pro-church.  You are the church.  Jesus is saying that the church and your relationships here are more important, more significant and stronger than your biological family.

 

This truth if very difficult for some of you to swallow because you love your family so much, and I love mine, but the church, those who do the will of God, come before my biological family.

 

Let me take you to another difficult text but one with a similar meaning.  See Matthew 10:34-39. 

 

34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36 and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ 37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

 

Jesus calls for a greater commitment to Him and His church than our own biological family.

 

Conclusion

Emory Baptist Church is a family church.  We have some tight families, and we have some large families. 

 

Jesus is pro-family, but before He is pro-family, He is pro-church.  Where does your allegiance fall?  The blood of the church should be thicker than the blood of your family.

 

 

Invitation

First, if your relationship with your biological family is not good, EBC is your family and here for you.

 

Second, if you idolize your biological family, I challenge you today to lay that idol down and worship Jesus only and serve His bride.

 

Finally, if you have no family at all, God invites you to be one of His children and into His family by receiving His Son, Jesus, as Lord and Savior of your life. 

 

 

The Worst Sin of All...

Christians have always classified some sins as worse than others.  Examples include: adultery; divorce; sexual immorality; homosexuality; murder or multiple murders; suicide.

 

However, an honest and comprehensive study of the NT reveals that no one sin is worse than any other sin in the eyes of God.  Certain sins may have greater earthly consequences, but God sees every sin as a complete abomination, yet all forgivable…except one. 

 

It has been called “the unforgivable sin” or “the unpardonable sin.”  What is IT?  Is it divorce?  Is it homosexuality?  Is it suicide?  All of these are sins with incredible earthly consequences, but the unpardonable or unforgivable sin is described in today’s text as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

 

But before we get there, let’s look at these verses leading up to verses 28-30.

 

 

Introduction cont.

We have left the twelve apostles.  Remember that when Jesus called the twelve apostles that he called them on a mountaintop.  He has now come down from the mountaintop, and we move into the next scene here in Mark 3:20.

 

 

Mark 3:20-21

20 Then the multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. 21 But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, “He is out of His mind.”

 

Jesus had come home.  He came down from the mountain, and He made his home in Capernaum at Peter and Andrew’s house.  Mark says that a crowd gathered again.  Jesus normally attracted crowds, but this time, the crowd was so frenzied, so hostile, so contrary, that Jesus and his disciples couldn’t even eat or rest or get away from the assembly because they were completely involved in in ministering to them. 

 

In verse 21, Jesus’ family heard that He was back in town.  This was His mother and His brothers.  We will talk more about them next week as we look at verses 31-35, but they heard He was back in town, and they heard about all the people who were coming to Him, and they heard all about those who were healed and those who had been healed of demon possession.

 

They came to take their boy home.  They came to rescue Him.  Surely He wasn’t in His right mind doing all these strange things.  Perhaps they even thought He was damaging their family’s reputation. 

 

 

3:22-27

22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebub,” and, “By the ruler of the demons He casts out demons.”  23 So He called them to Himself and said to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end. 27 No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house.

 

The scribes or teachers of the Law came down from Jerusalem and made two crazy accusations.

 

First, they accused Him of being possessed by Beelzebul.  The scribes and teachers of the Law were using this term to refer to Satan.  They were accusing Jesus of being possessed by Beelzebul or Satan.

 

Their second crazy accusation was that He was casting out demons by the ruler of the demons.  They had heard about Jesus exorcising demons from at least one man back in Mark 1.  They even may have been present.

 

But they were attributing Jesus’ power to cast out demons to Satan.  The demons listened to Jesus because Jesus was the mouthpiece or possessed by Beelzebul or Satan himself.

 

Jesus then called all of the scribes together and asked them a very pointed and interesting question.  How can Satan cast out Satan?  He can’t.  Their accusations were silly, dumb, illogical, crazy.

 

He then explained his reasoning with a concise analogy in three parts.

 

First, a kingdom or nation divided against itself cannot stand.  We see this all around the world with civil wars.  On some occasions, it has seemed like we were close to that in our country like we did in the late 1800’s.  It is probably more accurate on some occasions to say, “The Divided States of America.”

 

Second, a house divided against itself cannot stand.  We see this often with families who have been fractured and split over fights and disagreements.  We see this most clearly in marital relationships.  A husband and wife who are divided cannot stand together and end up divorcing.

 

Jesus got to the heart of the matter in 3:26. If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is finished.  If Jesus is possessed by Satan and is casting out demons, Satan’s agenda and plans and work will not stand.

 

However, we know that Satan’s agenda and plans and work do go on.  Therefore, Jesus is absolutely, positively not possessed by Satan.

 

Jesus finally set the record straight in 3:27, but it will require some explanation.  The strong man is Satan.  His house is his kingdom or domain.  His property is his demons and those he possesses.

 

Satan cannot be overtaken except by someone who is stronger, one who can bind him.  That is only the Lord Jesus.  The Lord Jesus will then set free all who belong to Satan and take them for Himself.

 

Let me translate.  Jesus was not and is not possessed by Satan.  Jesus and His work and His mission and His kingdom stand diametrically opposed to Satan and everything Satan stands for: sexual immorality; idolatry; adultery; homosexuality; stealing; coveting; drunkenness; strife; jealousy; anger.

 

 

1. When speaking of sin and forgiveness, Jesus speaks comprehensively, 3:28.

28 “Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter.”

 

1. Jesus begins verse 28 with a change in tone.
   1. He moves from calm explanation to a stern warning.
   2. The phrase “Truly I say to you” is one that means listen up. It is used 13 times in Mark’s gospel.
   3. What He is about to say is the absolute truth, and you need to hear it.
2. You then see and hear Him speaking comprehensively regarding sin and forgiveness.
   1. All sins shall be forgiven (See Psalm 103:8-13; Isaiah 1:18; Acts 10:43; Ephesians 4:32).
      1. Quality is no matter.
      2. Quantity is no matter.
   2. All blasphemies shall be forgiven.
      1. Speaking ill of someone.
      2. Intentional irreverence for God (See 1 Timothy 1:12-14).
   3. God will forgive you just like He has forgiven others.
      1. Noah of drunkenness;
      2. Abraham of lying;

• Moses of murder;

1. David of adultery and murder;
2. Jonah of running from God;
3. Peter of denying Christ;

• Paul of persecuting the church.

 

2. When speaking of sin and forgiveness, Jesus speaks about conditions, 3:29.

29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”

 

1. According to 3:29, God’s forgiveness of sins seems to have one condition.
2. God offers forgiveness for all sins except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
   1. What does the word mean?
      1. Speak reproachfully;
      2. To Rail at;

• Revile;

1. Malicious Misrepresentation.

1. What is it not?
   1. It is not cursing the Holy Spirit.
   2. It is not taking the Lord’s name in vain.

• It is not adultery or sexual perversion or divorce or suicide.

1. What is it?
   1. It is an attitude of defiant hostility toward God that rejects His saving power toward man, expressed in the Spirit-filled person and work of Jesus.
   2. It is one’s preference for darkness even though he has been exposed to the light.

• It is determined rebellion against God.

1. It is calling evil good and darkness light.
2. It is attributing the work of God to Satan himself.
3. It is the continual rejection of the witness of the Holy Spirit in your life calling on you for salvation.

 

3. When speaking of sin and forgiveness, Jesus speaks of continuity, 3:30.

30 because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

30. The key to understanding what the unpardonable sin is lies here in verse 30.
31. Notice Mark’s Holy Spirit inspired commentary.
    1. He wrote, “because they were saying…”
       1. This is not a one time act.
       2. This is an on-going or continuous attitude.
    2. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit doesn’t just happen once. It happens again and again and again.  Remember Peter denied Christ three times, but ultimately returned stronger than ever.

 

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, there are those here this morning with the following questions?

1. Can this sin be committed today?
2. Have you ever committed this sin? Probably not, but maybe.
3. What is the consequence of this sin? Eternal punishment in hell or eternal damnation.  It is physical and spiritual separation from God.  However, remember that no sin is unpardonable or unforgivable as long as you have breath.

Plan A is the B Team!