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Adversaries of the Lord Jesus Christ

Text: Mark 7:1-23, Matthew 15:1-20
30 March 2014

ADVERSARIES OF THE LORD JESUS

1. Scribes and Pharisees

Issue: Eating with sinners            Mark 2:13-17

2. Pharisees

Issue: The Disciples plucking and eating heads of grain on the Sabbath            Mark 2:23-28

3. Pharisees and Herodians

Plotting to kill Jesus            Mark 3:6

4. Pharisees and Scribes

Issue: Disciples of Jesus eating with unwashed (defiled) hands            Mark 7:2, 5

TRADITION OF THE ELDERS

1. Washing of hands (in a certain way)            Mark 7:3

(The word “washing” is the same word as “baptism”)

2. Cups, pitchers, copper vessels, couches            Mark 7:4

(“Baptism” of couches?)

3. The disciples of Jesus were accused of not holding to the traditions of the elders            Mark 7:5

THE REPLY OF JESUS

1. The prophecy of Isaiah cited            Mark 7: 6-7; Isaiah 29:13

a) Historical significance
b) Prophetic significance
c) Question of hypocrisy

2. The commandments of God

a) Laid aside            Mark 7:8
b) Rejected            Mark 7:9

3. The tradition of the elders

a) Traditions preferred            Mark 7:9
b) Making the word of God of no effect            Mark 7:13 (Corban)
c) Traditions handed down            Mark 7:13

4. What truly defiles a person

a) The external does not defile            Mark 7:14-19; Matthew 10-11
b) The internal defiles            Mark 7:20-23

THE CONCERN OF THE DISCIPLES

The Pharisees were offended            Matthew 15:12

JESUS’ RESPONSE

1. They are not leaders planted by the Lord            Matthew 15:13

2. They are blind leaders of the blind            Matthew 15:14

POEMS – Charles Tan

HE CAME AND TOOK HER BY THE HAND

Illness in any age is often dreaded and it can create fears,
Some diseases are more difficult and sometimes they bring tears.
A fever is often taken for granted as something very mild,
But fevers can be deadly, and must be regarded as potentially hostile.

Jesus’ approach to those who are ill is beautifully seen,
The Divine Physician displays a heart that is good and eyes that are keen.
He was informed that Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a feverish complaint,
Her usual energy in receiving guests was not there, she was likely in pain.

“He came to her and took her by the hand…” what a beautiful description of loving care,
She needed a little bit more than just healing, she could sense the love of Jesus there.
Her fever immediately receded at the Master’s touch, to her great delight.
The pain was gone, the tiredness as well; her illness no longer gave her a fright.

Her heart loved Jesus the Great and Gentle Physician who gave her such attention,
He had lifted her by her hand and that act of loving care must be mentioned.
It was now her turn to use the renewed health and strength that the Lord had given,
She would always give her full support to Jesus and His disciples for their Mission was from heaven.

Inspiration: Mark 1:31

THEY RECOGNISED HIM

The original plan was to minister in Bethsaida, on the other side of the sea,
There was a change of plans, the boat landed at Gennasaret to begin a busy ministry.
The disciples must be exposed to more ministry, that their hearts may feel compassion for the lost,
Their hearts must not remain hardened, but be challenged through understanding Christ’s cause.

When Jesus got out of the boat He was instantly recognized by the people living there,
His reputation had gone far and wide, people knew He could bring God’s power to bear.
The whole surrounding region was abuzz with great activity because Jesus had come,
They would hear wonderful messages and they knew that Jesus would reach out and heal some.

Wherever He went, into villages, the cities or the countryside,
Many would flock to hear Him and watch Him heal the sick beside.
Some begged to merely touch His garment for they had such faith in Him,
Just a gentle touch of faith and they would receive the greatest of God’s blessings.

The multitudes recognized Jesus for the power He wielded in the name of God,
But most only sought healing without going further in their thoughts.
The disciples needed to learn deeper truths concerning Jesus their Teacher,
Or else their understanding would remain dim and their hearts harden further.

Inspiration: Mark 6:54