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The Ministry of Jesus

Text: Mark 3:1-12
3 November 2013

THE ENEMIES OF JESUS

1. Two groups identified

a) Pharisees          Mark 3:6a
b) Herodians          Mark 3:6b
c) Strange bed-fellows

They were ideologically opposed to each other

2. Plotting against Jesus

Goal: To destroy Jesus          Mark 3:6c

THE MINISTRY OF JESUS

1. Withdrawal of Jesus

a) Depending on the circumstances (external)
b) Depending on God’s leading (Divine-Persona)          Cf. John 5:19

2. The Fame of Jesus

a) A great multitude followed Him          Mark 3:7b
b) Areas identified:-          Mark 3:7-8
i) Galilee
ii) Judea
iii) Jerusalem
iv) Idumea
v) Beyond Jordan
vi) Tyre
vii) Sidon
c) Some reasons why they came to Him
i) They had heard about what He was able to do          Mark 3:8f
ii) They came with their needs

3. Practical Considerations

a) Speaking from a boat          Mark 3:9
b) The crowds could have crushed Him because they were surging forward to hear Him

4. Ministry of Jesus

a) Healing of the sick
b) A mere touch would have resulted in healing
c) Unclean spirits were cast out

They cried out “You are the Son of God”          Mark 3:11c

d) They were forbidden to proclaim His name          Mark 3:12

POEMS CT

MINISTRY OF THE SON OF GOD

The beginning of the ministry of Jesus was humble indeed,
He began with choosing a few humble fishermen who liked His creed.
In such a short time, Jesus became famous and multitudes flocked to Him,
What was the secret of such success, one that showed no signs of growing dim?

John proclaimed Jesus as the One who had power to baptize with the Spirit of God,
He even saw the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus as a Dove from the Lord.
He heard the Voice of God declaring, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
It should surprise no one that Jesus should find that God’s blessings on Him did not cease.

The chief priests and the Herodians did not appreciate what they saw,
They had never agreed with each other on a hundred different scores.
Yet they became allies in their battle against Jesus of Nazareth,
They refused to recognize Him as a Person of great worth.

The multitudes flocked to Jesus because of their many needs,
They clung to His every word when they saw the miraculous deeds.
The evil spirits who had always demonized people as masters and lords,
Discovered that they were no match against the true Son of God.

While Jesus wielded the power of the Spirit of God in ministry,
He knew that there was a greater work to be done in history.
He must train and equip a group of people called Disciples,
They must be taught core-truths that must become life-principles.

Inspiration: Mark 1:1, 11; 3:11