The Greatest Miracle

2. The Greatest Miracle Mark 2:1-12

3. Jesus Forgives a Paralytic (Mk. 2:1-12) • Capernaum • Nazareth

4. The Greatest Miracle (Mark 2:1-12) And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven you." And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, "Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God…

5. The Greatest Miracle alone?" But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, "Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk'? "But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins" --He said to the paralytic, "I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house." Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!" (NKJV)

6. The Greatest Miracle Mark 2:10–11 (NKJV) 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”

7. What the Miracle Proved: “…Who can forgive sins but God alone?” – Mk. 2:7

8. What the Miracle Proved: Jesus’ healing of the man demonstrated at least 3 things: Jesus had the ability to heal the man (obviously)… Jesus was God (because only God can forgive sins) If Jesus was God He has all authority

9. The Greatest Miracle John 3:2 (NKJV) …"Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."

10. Mark’s Writings Prove the Undeniable authority of Christ Over sickness, infirmities (many sick healed - Mk. 1:32-34) Over unclean spirits (cast out – Mk. 1:21-28) Over Sabbath (Jesus Lord of – Mk. 2:23-28) Over the life/death of others (Jesus raises little girl from dead – Mk. 5:21-43) Over normal possibilities (Jesus feeds 5,000 – Mk. 6:30-44; feeds 4,000 Mk. 8:1-10) Laws of Physics (Jesus walks on H20 – Mk. 6:45-52)

11. Mark’s Writings Prove the Undeniable authority of Christ Over & above traditions of men (Jesus corrected the Pharisees who criticized disciples for not keeping the tradition of the elders, washing their hands before eating – Mk. 7:1-23) Over the doctrines of men (beware of the teaching [leaven] of the Pharisees – Mk. 8:13-21) Over the eternal destiny of all mankind & Day of Judgment (Mk. 8:34-38; 13:24-27) Over the Jews (Jesus identified Himself as the King of the Jews before Pilate – Mk. 15:2) Over death (raised from the grave - Mk. 16)

12. Mark’s Writings Prove the Undeniable authority of Christ And as a result… Over the forgiveness of sins (Jesus forgives the paralytic Mk. 2:1-12) Over all (seated at right hand of Father – Mk. 16:19)

13. If Christ has all authority… …then we must submit to Him! John 20:31 (NKJV) 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

14. If Christ has all authority… Not… …then He is the head of the church! Ephesians 5:23 (NKJV) …Christ is head of the church…the Savior of the body. • A Pope • A “Pastor” • Synods • Majority Rule • Board of Deacons • Councils • Elders • Or Anyone Else!!!

15. If Christ has all authority… …then we must hear Him! Deuteronomy 18:18–19 (NKJV) 18 I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. 19 And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him.

16. If Christ has all authority… …then we must obey Him! John 12:48 (NKJV) 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him— the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.

17. Not… If Christ has all authority… …then all things must be done by His authority& nothing else! • Our Parents (Mt. 10:21, 34-37) • Our Conscience (Acts 23:1; 24:16; 26:9-11) • The Majority (Mt. 7:13-14) • Religious Leaders (2 Cor. 11:13-15; 2 Pet. 2:1-3) • Tradition (Mt. 15:1-9; Col. 2:8, 18-23) • Personal Desire (Pr. 14:12; 16:25; Jer. 10:23) • Emotions & Feelings (Pr. 28:26; Jer. 17:9) • Churches & Denominations (Acts 20:28-32; 1 Tim 4:1-3) • The Good End (Rom. 3:8) • Human Creeds (Mt. 15:7-9) • Or Anything Else!!! John 4:24 (NKJV) 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

18. If Christ has all authority… …then all things must be done by His authority& nothing else! John 16:13–14 (NKJV) 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.