Sermon Central
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When Jesus Interrupts The Sinful Series
Contributed by Brian Credille on Mar 9, 2001 (message contributor)
Summary: When Jesus encounters the sinful person, He stands ready to interrupt their cycle of pain and bring forgiveness and wholeness.
"When Jesus Interrupts the Sinful"
INTRODUCTION
What is a "sinner?" Who is a "sinner?" We often define "sinful" people to be those incorrigible outcasts we see on the news. Actually, "sin" means "to miss the mark." The mark is that of being just like God intended us to be. God’s holiness and perfection is the "mark" we are measured by, and under that definition we are all "sinful" people. In this passage we see Jesus’ authority over sin.
I. WE LIVE IN A WORLD OF AFFLICTION (5:17-19).
A. The Religious leaders were afflicted with bitterness, jealousy and hate toward Jesus.
B. The paralyzed man was unable to walk and possibly unable to speak.
C. His friends cared enough to to bring him to Jesus. They had to dig through the mud-layered roof so that they could lower him down in front of Jesus.
D. We live in a world afflicted by poisoned attitudes, illness, and sin. The only hope is to come near to Jesus.
II. JESUS CAN INTERRUPT THE CYCLE OF PAIN (5:20).
A. Jesus looked beyond the man’s physical need to the inner need to be at peace with God.
B. Jesus offered forgiveness to the man. Jesus cares about the whole person. You cannot compartmentalize your life before God. He sees and knows your every need.
C. Jesus can break the cycle of pain in your life. Le Him do for you what you need the most.
III. THE POWER OF CHRIST WILL NOT PLEASE ALL (5:21-25).
A. Inwardly, the religious leaders questioned Jesus’ authority to forgive sins.
B. They accused Jesus of blasphemy--a crime punishable by stoning.
C. Jesus perceived them to be calling Him a coward by implying that anyone could claim to have forgiven sin. But healing the man physically is perceived to be a greater miracle.
D. Jesus healed the man physically as a visible evidence of His authority over sin. He does not choose to bring physical healing in all cases. But He always is ready to receive the person who comes to Him in repentance and faith.
E. Jesus’ power and desire to make people whole will not please everyone, especially those focused on the ritual of religion. They make an idol of the outward show of religion while ignoring love, forgiveness and compassion.
IV. JESUS SPECIALIZES IN "STRANGE THINGS" (5:26).
A. Jesus wants to do something "strange" or "unusual" to break the routine of your life!
B. Do you desire to be made whole? There is no sin or problem too great for you to be restored by the power of Jesus Christ.
CONCLUSION
No matter the past or present, your future can by transformed by the power of Jesus. Let Him "interrupt" your life today. In fact, He already has! He is speaking to your this moment! Come to Him in confession of sin and simple faith. He will make you whole!
