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Who’s rules rule – and why mark 2:23-3:6. Who sets the rules for your life?. Jesus challenges some rules - Pharisees - Sadduccees - Essenes The “Sabbath Rule” – Exodus 20:8 “Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy”. Jesus’ attitude to the Sabbath Day – not what we expect.:
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Jesus challenges some rules - Pharisees - Sadduccees - Essenes The “Sabbath Rule” – Exodus 20:8 “Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy”
Jesus’ attitude to the Sabbath Day – not what we expect.: Why do your disciples do what is unlawful on the Sabbath? (2:24) They were watching him to see if he would heal this person on the Sabbath so that they might accuse him. (3:2) [cf. John 5:9-10]
Jesus intends that his rules rule! • Authority and rules
Jesus intends that his rules rule! • The nature of Jesus’ authority: Mark 2:25-28 Comparison and connection with David. Jesus is “Lord of the Sabbath” Jesus is “the Son of Man” [Daniel 7:13-14] Jesus’ rules rule because he is God, the Messiah, the Lord of Sabbath.
Jesus’ Rules Benefit Human Beings • Jesus redefines Sabbath rules so that they express God’s intention. • Story # 1: “Sabbath was made for man!” (2:27) • Story # 2: “Sabbath is for doing good and saving life” (3:4) Jesus’ motives for his rules – benefit our human condition.
Jesus’ Rules Challenge Every Human System • Mark 2 – 3 – conflicts with religious leaders authority to forgive sins eating with tax-collectors and sinners neglect of fasting new wine requires new wineskins (2:22) What does this “new wine” look like?
Jesus’ Rules Challenge Every Human System • They conspire to destroy Jesus (3:6). • Note the irony – they seek Jesus’ death on the Sabbath – the day intended by God for “saving life.” The distortion of God’s intent is fundamental. • Jesus’ rules confound and confront all human rules. 8:34 – if people want to follow me, they have to deny self, carry their cross and follow me
Jesus’ Rules Challenge Every Human System 10:15 whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a child will never enter it. 10:25 it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter the kingdom. 10:44 whoever desires to be first among you shall be slave of all. 16:15 when you go into the whole world proclaim the Gospel to every creature. The one who rules gave his life as a ransom for you.
Jesus’ Rules Challenge Every Human System 10:15 whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a child will never enter it. 10:25 it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter the kingdom. 10:44 whoever desires to be first among you shall be slave of all. 16:15 when you go into the whole world proclaim the Gospel to every creature. The one who rules gave his life as a ransom for you.
Jesus’ Rules Challenge Every Human System Many people, leaders and systems enforce rules on you with little or no interest in your welfare…. Many people, leaders and systems require you to follow rules, but fail to follow them in their own situations…. Many people, leaders and institutions enforce rules whose effects are extremely harmful…. Many people, leaders and institutions enforce rules because they are on a power trip…. This is not the case with Jesus! He came to serve, not to be served.
Jesus’ Rules Should Rule Because he loves us: Mark 10:17-22 To possess eternal life requires us to accept Jesus’ rules. If not Jesus’ rules, whose rules?