The Parable of the Soils
(Mark 4:1-20)

I. The Parable (Mark 4:1-9)

II. The Purpose (Mark 4:9-12; Matthew 13:10; Isaiah 6:9-10)

III. The Point (Mark 4:13-20)

A. The Unreceptive, Hardened Soil (Mark 4:15; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 Peter 5:8-9)

B. The Superficial, Stony Soil (Mark 4:16-17; Colossians 2:6-7; 1 Corinthians 2:14)

C. The Worldly, Thorny Soil (Mark 4:18-19; Matthew 6:21; 1 Timothy 6:10; Philippians 3:8)

D. The Good, Fruitful Soil (Mark 4:20; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; John 15:5-8)

Choose for Yourselves
(Mark 3:20-35; Matthew 12:30; Joshua 24:15)

I. When we choose Christ, our families may think we are crazy. (Mark 3:20-21; John 7:5; Acts 26:24)

II. When we choose Christ, others may falsely accuse us. (Mark 3:22-30; Matthew 5:11)

III. When we choose Christ, we become part of His true family. (Mark 3:31-35; John 1:12)

Twelve Ordinary Men: One Extraordinary God
(Mark 3:7-19)
I. Jesus draws a great multitude of people. (Mark 3:7-12)

II. Jesus calls the twelve apostles. (Mark 3:13-19)
A. He called those He wanted. (Mark 3:13; John 15:16; 1 Corinthians 12:11)

B. He appointed twelve as apostles. (Mark 3:14-15; Revelation 21:14; Acts 1:21-26)
1) He called them to be with Him. (Mark 3:14; John 15:5; 1 John 2:28; Acts 4:13)
2) He called them to send them out. (Mark 3:14)

C. These are the twelve He appointed. (Mark 3:16-19)
1) They were twelve ordinary men. (1 Corinthians 1:27-29)
2) They came from a variety of backgrounds.
3) They would change the world forever. (Acts 17:6; Ephesians 2:20)

Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath
(Mark 2:23-3:6)

I. God’s laws are designed for our good. (Mark 2:23-28; Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Samuel 21:1-6; Isaiah 58:13)

II. It is always lawful to do good. (Mark 3:1-5; Romans 13:8-10; Matthew 22:28-30)

III. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (Mark 3:6; John 1:16-17)

Application:
1) God’s laws are designed for our good. When you walk in God’s way, it will go well with you. (Deuteronomy 5:32-33)

2) The Sabbath is a delight. The Sabbath is an opportunity to rest from work and to join with others to worship the Lord. (Isaiah 58:13)

3) Let us be a people of grace. Love God; love others. (Romans 12:13; 2 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:14)

With Jesus, All Things Have Become New
(Mark 2:18-22; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

I. Old things have passed away. (Mark 2:18-20; Matthew 6:16; Isaiah 53:8; Revelation 19:6-7)

II. All things have become new. (Mark 2:21-22a; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:13)

III. If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. (Mark 2:22b; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 1:13; Romans 6:6-7, 11-12)

Application:
Memorize, reflect upon, and live out 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Jesus Calls Sinners
(Mark 2:13-17)

I. Jesus calls sinners to follow Him. (Mark 2:13-14; Luke 5:28; 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

II. Jesus welcomes sinners. (Mark 2:15-16; Romans 2:4; Luke 5:24)

III. Jesus calls sinners to repentance. (Mark 2:17; Romans 3:10; John 8:11)

Application:
As followers of Jesus, all of us have a command to share the same good news that changed the life of Matthew. Who are some of the people in your life that need to know about Jesus’ invitation? How could you share God’s love and grace with one of these people?

VIDEO:
Here is a link to a moving video clip from The Bible mini-series depicting Jesus calling Matthew to follow Him.

Desperate Times, Drastic Measures
(Mark 2:1-12)

I. Faithful Friends (Mark 2:1-5)
A. They brought their friend to Jesus.
B. They persevered through obstacles.
C. Jesus forgave their friend’s sin.

II. Condemning Leaders (Mark 2:6-7)
A. They accuse Jesus of blasphemy.
B. “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Psalm 130:3,4; Psalm 51:4)

III. Jesus’ Authority (Mark 2:8-12)
A. Jesus’ question: “Which is easier to say?”
B. Jesus’ demonstration: “Arise, take up your bed and walk.”
C. The people’s reaction: “We never saw anything like this!” (John 12:37)

Application:
1) Come to Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. (Acts 4:12)
2) Bring your friends to Jesus. (Matthew 28:19)

Resurrection Hope
(John 20:11-18)

I. “Why are you weeping?” (John 20:15)
A. See disappointment in view of Resurrection hope. (Isaiah 55:9)
B. See evil in view of Resurrection hope. (Romans 8:28; Acts 4:27-28; Colossians 2:15)
C. See death in view of Resurrection hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13; Psalm 116:15)

II “Whom are you seeking?” (John 20:15)
A. We seek the crucified Savior. (Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; John 10:11-18)
B. We seek the risen Savior. (Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; John 20:17)
C. We seek the ascended Savior who is coming again. (John 20:17; Acts 1:11)

III. “How shall we seek?”
A. Seek Jesus honestly. (Psalm 51; 1 John 1:9)
B. Seek Jesus earnestly. (Jeremiah 29:13)
C. Seek Jesus obediently. (John 14:15)

                                                                    God’s Plan is Greater
(Matthew 21:1-11)

I. The Plan of God (Matthew 21:1-5)
A. Jesus enters Jerusalem in peace. (Matthew 21:1-3; 1 Kings 1:38-40)
B. Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecy (Matthew 21:4-5; Zechariah 9:9)

II. The Plan of the People (Matthew 21:6-9)
A. The people proclaim Jesus as their King. (Matthew 21:6-8; 2 Kings 9:13)
B. The people declare Jesus as Messiah. (Matthew 21:9)
C. The people recognize Jesus as the Prophet. (Matthew 21:10-11; Deuteronomy 18:15)

III. The End Result (John 3:16-17)

Trusting God
(Habakkuk 3:16-19)

I. Rest in the Lord. (Habakkuk 3:16; Exodus 14:13-14; Philippians 4:6-7)

II. Rejoice in the Lord. (Habakkuk 3:17-18;1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Philippians 4:4)

III. Find strength in the Lord. (Habakkuk 3:19; Psalm 18:2,33; 1 Samuel 30:1-6)