Friend and Lord Recap: • When the kingdom of God comes into the world dominated by the enemy the truth is taught, the sick are healed, the demon-possessed are freed, and sinners are forgiven. • Five conflicts with the Pharisees o Pharisees – self-righteous, judgmental, exclusive o Jesus – truly righteous, merciful, welcoming Talking to someone about coming to Christ? Have them read the gospels, let them come face to face with Jesus.

Mark 2:18-22 – Question About Fasting v. 18. John’s disciples and the Pharisees asked why Jesus’ disciples do not fast. v. 19. Fasting is a somber activity – Jews were only required to fast 1/yr: Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). Pharisees fasted 2/wk.

Jesus says his coming is like a wedding celebration. “This is not a time for fasting, but celebration – the bridegroom is here.” OT refers to God as Israel’s husband (Isa, Eze, Hos). Jesus is the bridegroom at whose coming we should rejoice.

v. 20. Jesus introduces an odd twist – The bridegroom will be taken. When you consider what your sin cost, you will fast and mourn. There will be times when Jesus is hidden – that will be time in life for fasting.

Mark 2:21-22 Jesus came to make things new. Jesus doesn’t fit into your box. New patch and old cloth. New wine and old wineskin. In the ancient world the skins of goats were used to hold wine. They were flexible and strong and allowed the new wine to ferment. An old wineskin becomes brittle and weak.

The new patch and new wine are incompatible with the old. Jesus is the new patch/new wine. He is not an add-on to your life. The Pharisees represent the old cloth, old wineskin. They were concerned with religiosity, justifying themselves.

The Law was fulfilled at Calvary when the perfect sacrifice was offered. The practices of the old covenant have to be thrown out, the new has come.

APPLICATION: The question is not whether or not you’ll make room for Jesus in your life. The question is whether you will forsake your old life for new life with him.

Mark 2:23-28 – Lord of the Sabbath vv. 23-24. Two observances defined Jews above all else: circumcision & Sabbath Sabbath attests to God as Creator and the divine order of the universe. The Lord’s day is a blessing not a burden. The Pharisees complain that Jesus’ disciples are harvesting by picking grains.

vv.25-26. Jesus reminds them of 1 Sam 21 when David’s men entered the tabernacle and ate the consecrated bread. Jesus didn’t raise the incident to plead for an exception. He is inviting a comparison between himself and King David.

There were Eighteen Benedictions recited in the synagogue. Part of it read, “Cause the Branch of David thy servant speedily to sprout, and let his horn be exalted by thy salvation.”

vv.27-28 The Sabbath was instituted to bless people to rest in God. God instituted the Sabbath. Jesus, as its Lord, puts himself in the place of God.

Mark 3:1-6 Jesus Heals on the Sabbath The Pharisees’ minds were set on finding something to accuse Jesus. Jesus’ mind was on mercy toward a crippled man. It’s always right to do good.