Chapter 916 of 1163

MARK 2

Consider the unique ministries of God’s Servant, Jesus Christ.

He forgives our sins (1–12). Imagine a servant having such authority! The healing of the body is a great miracle, but it does not last. The forgiveness of sin is God’s greatest miracle, for it lasts forever and accomplishes the greatest good. The Servant forgives us and pays the price for the miracle!

He fellowships with “sinners” (13–22). Why? Because they are sick, and He is the only Physician who can heal them. They are hungry and lonely, and He is the Bridegroom who asks them to His wedding feast. Their lives are in tatters, and He wants to give them a new robe of righteousness. Others may be able to patch up life, but He alone can give new life.

He frees us from bondage (23–28). He is Lord of the Sabbath, the Giver of rest (Matt. 11:28–30). Man’s religious traditions can be a terrible yoke of bondage; but when you follow the Lord, you experience freedom and rest.

Garments of New Life

Our first parents tried to cover their sins with garments they made (Gen. 3:7), but God would not accept them. Instead, He clothed them with skins (Gen. 3:21); blood had to be shed (Heb. 9:22). Jesus did not come to do a patchwork job on our lives; He came to make us whole. We have been raised from the dead (Eph. 3:1–10); and like Lazarus, we must take off the old garments of death and put on the garments of new life (John 11:44; Col. 3:1ff.).

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