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North Wake Leader Blog - Easter Devotions From the Gospel of Mark - March 12th

Easter Devotions From the Gospel of Mark - March 12th

“Scandalous” Mark 2:1-3:6

“And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.“ (Mark 2:15)

Jesus returns to Capernaum from his time of preaching and ministry throughout Galilee.  What follows is a string of five events that shake up everything—they are scandalous.  Who can proclaim that a man’s sins are forgiven?  “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” (10-11) 

Jesus, not only claims to do what only God can do, but his actions continue to surprise those that follow him and annoy those that don’t.  He enlisted a cheating tax collector for his team and eats with his sinful friends.  “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (16) Who has the authority to break the religious practices of the day? “So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:28) Who is this Jesus? 

Who is this man that claims the power to forgive sin, disregard religious practices, and fellowships with sin, sick people?  Could this scandalous man be the long awaited Messiah? Could this be the long awaited One?   

Prayer:  Lord, please break through my own religious trappings and cultural presuppositions.  I want to see you with new eyes…eyes that see you as the one who loves sinners, the only one with the power to forgive sin, and the focal point of all worship!