Opening illustration: The reactions of different people when encountering the awesome presence of God during the ministry time in Toronto, Canada.
Let us turn to Mark 1 and see the different reactions people had toward Christ.
Introduction: Jesus began to preach in Galilee, after that John was put in prison. If some be laid aside, others shall be raised up, to carry on the same work. Observe the great truths Christ preached. By repentance we give glory to our Creator whom we have offended; by faith we give glory to our Redeemer who came to save us from our sins. Christ has joined these two together, and let no man think to put them asunder. Christ puts honor upon those who, though mean in this world, are diligent in their business and kind to one another. Industry and unity are good and pleasant, and the Lord Jesus commands a blessing on them. Those, whom Christ calls, must leave all to follow him; and by his grace he makes them willing to do so. Not that we must needs go out of the world, but we must sit loose to the world; forsake everything that is against our duty to Christ, and that cannot be kept without hurt to our souls. Jesus strictly kept the Sabbath day, by applying himself unto, and abounding in the Sabbath work, in order to which the Sabbath rest was appointed. There is much in the doctrine of Christ that is astonishing; and the more we hear it, the more cause we see to admire it.
How should we react toward Christ?
1. Obedience (v. 18)
• It took Jesus’ perseverance to build their trust to follow Him.
Who to obey? Acts 5: 29
But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men.”
• Are we obedient to God when He asks us to do something ~ even if it means a sacrifice!
Illustration: Missionaries from China, India, Korea and Africa moving to Middle-East, Europe & America.
2. Amazement (v. 27)
• People marveled at His power over demons
• They were awestruck about Christ
The people that were in the synagogue, who were met together for divine worship, were astonished, not only at his doctrine, as before, but at this miracle and power of his in casting out demons.
• Do we marvel at God OR do we the who cares attitude?
3. Service (v. 31)
• Peter’s mother-in-law served the Lord
• Who to serve? Matthew 6: 24
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
• How to serve? Romans 12: 10, 11
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
Illustration: Young people serving the OM. I had the same desire. Story of Jane & Andrew.
4. Proclamation (v. 45)
• That is, he made known his own cure. He was so deeply affected with it, and so much rejoiced, that he followed the natural dictates of his own feelings rather than the command of the Savior.
• Those who saw Jesus in action told others what He had done.
Exodus 33: 19
Then He said, "I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”
• God has done remarkable things in each one of our lives. He has transformed us from death to life.
• Do we proclaim what God has done in our lives?
Application ~
When you think of all that Christ has done for you, you’ll want to do your best for Him.
