May Week2 Lesson. May 14: Jesus Ministers With Authority

                                             

    LESSON  20.  MAY 14, 2017

    JESUS   MINISTERS WITH AUTHORITY

Memory   Verse:  Mark 4:41

LESSON TEXT: Mark 2 : 1-28; 4:35-41

CENTRAL TRUTH:  Jesus has all authority in Heaven and on Earth.

FOCUS: To analyse the power and authority of Jesus, and experience His power daily.

LESSON OUTLINE:

1.    Authority Over Sin  And Disease

A.      Faithful Friend

B.      Forgiving Savour.

2.    Authority Over Religious Tradition

A.      New Paradigm

B.      New Authority

3.    Authority Over Nature

A.      Nature’s fury

B.      Divine Authority

                                     LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1.      Explain events that showed how Jesus performed miracles  through His power and authority.

2.      Comprehend that Jesus’ authority extends to every aspect of our lives.

3.      Commit to submitting to Jesus’ authority and trusting Him wholeheartedly.

LESSON TEXT: Mark 2 : 1-28; 4:35-41

                              

                             INTRODUCING THE LESSON

Question :  What should be our attitude toward those who have authority over us? How might their actions affect the way we view or respond to their authority?

Some people might react negatively towards authority because of work or family situations. Others, through hesitant to admit it, struggle to allow any one exert authority over them. Still others hold positive views of authority and are willing to submit to the decisions of leaders.

This week’s lesson explores Jesus’ power and authority. Use this lesson to encourage students to submit to the authority Jesus has over their lives.

1.    Authority Over Sin And Disease

A.   Faithful Friends. Mark 2: 1-4

Jesus’ presence in Capernaum drew a large crowd, following the dramatic healing of a leper in Mark 1: 40-45. The throng surrounded him in the house where He was staying (2:1-2). This people may have remembered early healings ( Mark 1:23-26,32-34) and desire to see and hear more from Him.

       True to His mission, Jesus preached the word ( Mark 2:2), declaring the gospel of the kingdom of God ( Mark 1:14).

        The fact that Jesus could heal the sick stirred the faith of some friends of the man who was “sick of the palsy” Indicates that the man was  paralysed.

        The man’s friends did not let the crowd stop them from bringing him to Jesus. Homes in Jesus’ day had an outside stair case that let to the roof, which could serve  as a type of veranda. It seems these men carried the man up the stairs, determine were Jesus was in the house and tore out a portion of the roof – perhaps made of clay, with branches laid out to serve as rafters. Their unorthodox method likely shocked the crowd (verse4)

Question: In what ways can experiencing God’s power encourage us to bring others to Jesus?

          Christians today have experienced the same kind of transforming power Jesus displayed in the Bible times – power to save and power to heal. Testimonies of salvation and healing provide opportunities to tell others about Jesus.

B.    Forgiving Savour.  Mark. 2:5-12

The efforts of the paralyzed man’s friends did not go unnoticed by Jesus. But instead of addressing their faith, Jesus spoke to the paralyzed man. His statement may have surprised the crowd who were expecting Jesus to heal the man. Instead, Jesus first addressed the issue of sin (Mark 2:5-7). A desire for repentance must have been present in the man, as Jesus declared his sin to be forgiving.

This event was among the first in a growing controversy between Jesus and the religious authorities. The leaders were ready to confront Jesus with his regards to forgiveness of sins Verse 6). This may be the reason why they were present. Their attitude formed a dark contrast to the faith of the four men who had carried the paralyzed man.

Jewish though after liked sin to illness, and some Jewish people believed illness was the consequence of sin ( see John 9:1-3). Jewish teachings also recognize that only God could forgive sin. It was considered blasphemy for any human being to claim to be God. According to the Law, blasphemy was punishable by death Leviticus24:16). By claiming to forgive sin, Jesus asserted himself to be God. The unbelief of the teachers with regard to Jesus resulted in the accusation of blasphemy.

While the scribes did not vocalize their accusations, Jesus discerned them (Mark 2:8). Notice the focus on spoken words: It is “easier to say to the sick…..” (verse 9, KJV), and “He saith……(verse 10). This man’s healing would prove that Jesus has authority behind His words. If Jesus healed him, all would know of Christ’s power and authority.

Question: Why is it important to note that Jesus can forgive sins?

Some believe that their sin is forgivable. In a similar way, Christians might  look at  someone’s life style and wonder if Jesus really could save them. Jesus’ power to forgive sin is greater than any sin anyone can commit.

This situation enabled Jesus to make himself known to the people of Capernaum, including the scribes (verse 10).Because the scribes doubted Christ’s authority, He provided them visual demonstration. The healing would give dramatic evidence that Jesus was and is who He claims to be. His authority over sickness bore witness to His authority to forgive sins. After the confrontation with the scribes, Jesus turned His attention back to the paralyzed by providing instantaneous and miraculous healing (Mark2:11). The man  had come to Jesus carried by his four friends. He returned home through his own ability to walk. By healing this man, Jesus declared His authority as Son of God.

Jesus’ demonstration of His healing power again amazed the crowd (verse12). Unlike the scribes, many among the throng recognized God’s power to be at work through Jesus.

2.    Authority Over Religious Tradition

A.   New Paradigm.  Mark 2:18-22

 The scribes and Pharisees looked for ways to discredit Jesus and fasting provided an opportunity to find fault with him. The Law required fasting on the day of Atonement  (Leviticus 23:26-32), and other fast were practiced as well. Since Jesus and his disciple were dining with sinners Mark2:15-17), It is obvious they were not fasting during the event surrounding  verses  18-22. Weddings were a Joyous occasion, but fasting was a sign of mourning, especially for sin. Fasting at a new wedding could insult the family.

Jesus likened himself to the bridegroom. He was ushering in a new kingdom of Joy not mourning . The kingdom is different from the religious traditions of Judaism. In the new Kingdom, the way to God is not found in religious practices but through a joyful relationship with Jesus.

There would come a time when fasting  would be appropriate, but for a different reason. This is the first time Jesus talked about being taken away. The disciples’ joy would turn to sorrow at His departure ( verse 20).

Question: What is the purpose of fasting today?

In Mark 2 : 21-22, Jesus used two analogies to show that the new Kingdom is dramatically different from the old . An old garment was pre-shrunk because of many washings. A new patch would shrink when washed, thus tearing away from the old garment. One could not add the new kingdom to status quo Judaism. They were vastly different.

Similarly, people used vessels  made from animal hides to store liquids. As these vessels aged, they became brittle. As grapes ferment, it creates pressure. It was important to use new winskins that could expand as the pressure increased.

For the scribes and the Pharisees, Judaism was caught up in traditions and rituals. It had lost its relational value with God. Jesus taught that they could not put God’s new kingdom into the rituals of Old Testament Law. A relationship with God can only come through Jesus.

 Question: What religious Traditions today can keep unbelievers from experiencing  salvation, or inhibit Christians from sharing the gospel in the community?

Like the scribes and Pharisees, we can lose the relational aspect of our walk with God by focusing solely on religious traditions. Sometimes our Church traditions can keep us from reaching out to our community. While we can not change the message of the gospel, we must look at new ways to evangelize our communities.

B.    New Authority. Mark 2:23-28

The scibes and the Pharisees had developed a stict rules about what could  and could not be done on Sabbath. For example, it was illegal to do virtually any work on the Sabbath. (See Exodus 20:8-11). Breaking the Sabbath was a capital crime ( See Exodus 31:14-15).

What the disciples did in Mark 2:23-24 provoked the ire of the Pharisees. Teachers were responsible for the behaviors of their disciples.

To answer the Pharisees’ claim, Jesus referred to a well-known event  involving David (Mark 2:25; see 1Samuel 21:1-6). David’s request violated Mosaic Law. Yet, because of David’ dire need, the Priest allowed exception (Verse 28).

In verse 27, Jesus offered further explanation of the situation, noting the underling purpose of the Sabbath. God instituted the Sabbath for Humanity benefit and refreshment, not so we would have to keep burdensome regulations pertaining to the Sabbath Laws. But we must keep in view the purpose of Jesus’ teaching. He was showing that He, as son of God, is Lord also of the Sabbath. He has absolute authority and its regulations. Jesus was once again asserting His authority by declaring that the value of the Sabbath is not in the ceremonial practices but in the benefit it provides to humanity.

Question: Do you think it is important to observe the Sabbath today? Explain. 

Teaching Tip: Discuss the value in Observing a day of rest with the students.

3. Authority Over Nature

A. Nature’s Fury. Mark 4:35-36.

Jesus had just finished teaching the people (Mark4:1-34). It was time to leave the crowd and cross over to the east side of the Sea of Galilee in the region of the Gadarenes (KJV; Gerasenes,NIV). But this was not going to be a peaceful trip (Mark 4:34-37).

The Sea of Galilee sits over 600 feet below sea and largely unpredictable storms. This will sweep down from the higher elevations to the north and below across the lake , causing large waves. It was this type of Sudden storm that left the boat holding the Savor and His disciple vulnerable to swamping. Such an event would likely result in tragedy.

Question: Why are situations Like these especially terrifying?

Moment s like those described in Mark4 are a reminder of how vulnerable human beings really are. We may have forcasts and storm shelters, but ultimately we all are no match in ourselves for the forces of nature that surround us.

B.Divine Authority.  Mark 4:37-41

The disciples likely did their best to keep the boat headed into wind, it would capsize. They were , it seemed, at the mercy of the forces of nature (Mark 4:37). However, Jesus-wearied from the events of the day- napped on the rower’ cushion at the stern of the boat. Mark contrasts calm sleep of Jesus with the anxious action of the disciples (verse 38).

Sadly, the disciples mistook Jesus’ sleep  for apathy. Jesus however, was not apathetic; rather, He simply asserted His authority as Creator (Verse 39). At Jesus’ strong command, the storm immediately calmed.

Jesus rebuked the disciples for their fear (verse 40). They clearly did not understand who Jesus and is. Their lack of understanding is in Jesus questions regarding the absence of faith in their hearts. Because the disciples still did not comprehend the true identity of Jesus, fear rose in their hearts as a result (verse 41), note the NIV translation of “feareth exceedingly” as “terrified”).

This fear bespeaks an amazed recognition of Christ’s sovereign power: The disciples ought not to have feared the storm because they were accompanied by the Master of the storm. We are reminded that the Gospels serve to do much more than convey to evoke faith in our hearts for the One who is Master of all things.

Question: Why is it important to recognize Jesus as Creator and Master over the Forces of nature?

Christians increasingly are confronted with assertion that Jesus is merely a great teacher. We must affirm that He is divine, the all-knowing and immutable Son of God, worthy to be followed as the Lord of our lives who guides our lives and our circumstances.

                              DISCIPLESHIP IN ACTION

You may be experiencing difficult circumstance in life that are beyond your control. Perhaps you are trying to solve these problems in your own strength. Take comfort that the same power Jesus displayed to His disciple is available today. You can trust Jesus to provide answer and assistance no matter what you are facing. He is the creator of the universe, the Sovereign God with power over all nature. He responds to his people.

Perhaps you have allowed traditional religious to inhibit your  ministry to others, or even your own view of God. Examine your beliefs and practices, asking God to help you overcome any allegiance to empty ceremonialism. Submit instant to Christ authority.

Perhaps you have never submitted to Christ’s authority in the most fundamental way, by accepting Him as Saviour. Ask Jesus to be the Lord of your life today, then trust Him to lead you in all His ways.

                              Ministry In Action

Have students suggest ways they can help each other find encouragement and assurance of God’s forgiving and healing powers. Invite them to share prayer needs, then challenge them to minister to one another during the week.