Jesus as Offensive

Sermon Series - Mark: Reset Your Mind

Passage: Mark 2:13-3:6

Key Theme: Jesus as Offensive

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My Story

● Can you think of instances in your life where your religious views were held with maybe a hint of snobbery and pride to the degree that you looked down on others who didn’t hold the same views?

● The Pharisees in this passage are holding on tightly to the laws of the Old Testament as a means of obtaining righteousness. Maybe as a child or young adult, what things did you once believe you needed to do in order to get obtain righteousness in order to go to heaven?

Today’s Teaching

● What do you think was wrong with the Pharisees’ views on eating with sinners, fasting, and Sabbath practices (views that caused Christ to be “angry” and “grieve” at their “hardness of heart” 3:5)?

● In 2:17 Jesus says, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

a) What are the implications of this statement to his audience at the time, the scribes and the Pharisees?

b) What are the implications of this statement to us?

c) How is this statement crucial to us as we seek to share the Gospel with others?

Discipleship Application

● Apart from faith in Jesus alone, are there rules or traditions that you are holding onto that in your heart you believe are able to make you right with God?

● Do you ever intentionally share a meal with unbelievers? Would unbelievers feel comfortable in your home? Are there steps that you are willing to take to establish relationships with them?

● What is God teaching you and saying to you in this passage?