The Healing of a Paralytic

 Intro:  Jesus = now 1 year into His ministry - Chapter 1 of Mark.  Popularity is growing.  Mark 1:45

Today = next of Mark's recorded miracles, The Healing of the Paralytic - Mark 2:1-12

Some thoughts, lesson,s observations from this story:

#1.  Jesus' emphasis was on preaching - Mark 2:2 
example:  feeding of the 5,000 - Mark 6:34
Miracles were a sideline to His preaching.

#2.  He did work many miracles .. because .. The Miracles were confirmation of His Authority
Had already shown he had authority over sickness, disease, demons, nature
But here... was to demonstrate His Authority over sin, forgiveness!!
Where are we going to put our faith?  our confidence?  In the words of a highly educated man or a man who heals at a word???

#3.  There's a difference in questioning His words and challenging His authority!
"who can forgive but God?" = reasonable question!!
The difference = the heart!!  Examples:  Nicodemus regarding being "born again" - "how can this be?"
The disciples and "eat my flesh" - "to whom will we go?"  - honest questions to confusing statements, but not said with bad attitude.   Attitude in this passage = one that rejects, challenges His authority.

#4.  True faith comes with visible evidence
On one hand = invisible (compare love, hate, joy, peace, jealousy, anger, etc.
However, it manifests itself!!! - "Jesus SAW their faith"!!  They had confidence that Jesus could heal their friend.
James 2:14-19, 26

NOW ... Some personal, practical application of this:

(1)  Jesus has all authority
OR in other words, Jesus is Lord!!
This has been demonstrated and recorded - John 20:30-31
And stated and noted by Jesus Himself - Matt. 28:18

(2)  All authority naturally leads to ... Jesus has SOLE Authority   John 14:6 - He is THE authority!!  Very exclusive!!

(3)  Also noted ... recognizing His authority won't save you ... (example:  the demons)
Salvation is found in Submission to His Authority.  Matt. 7:21
Note:  initial submission leads to Salvation
Continual submission leads to Sanctification!!!

(4)  Faith without fruit is questionable faith - Matt. 7:20
Examples:  good fruit/bad fruit .... NO FRUIT?! - Faith without works is dead!!!

(5)  Your spiritual healing is more important than your physical healing.
Spiritual healing is eternal.
Physical healing is temporal.

Lessons from a Leper

 Mark 1:38-39 - (last week) --> Mark 1:40-45  (1st. recorded stop on His journey through Galilee
Leprosy = incurable disease
leprosy left - same work used when demon leaves

The LAW and the Leper - Lev. 13:45-46
(the cleansing ritual - Lev. 14)

OBSERVATIONS AND APPLICATION:

I)  The Leper was not supposed to approach Jesus. 
Luke 17:11-13 = typical response for a leper.
But .... he did!!  Because Jesus = his only hope!!

as long as can fix SELF .. you won't come to Jesus.  But when realize can't fix it, ... "Run" to Him!!
There is an advantage to seeing yourself as you really are. 
Example:  1st. step in AA - I AM an alcoholic!
(1)  don't let your condition, situation, keep you away!! - Heb. 4:16
You need Him most at your Worst!!  Sometimes we let our moral condition, keep us from the Lord!

BUT  (2)  Remember .... the throne of grace is still a THRONE!!  Come with humility, contrition - Isa. 57:15

II)  Jesus was not supposed to touch the Leper
BUT ... he did!!!  Question:  did He violate the Law?   Answer = difficult.  But Note - Matt. 23:23
paraphrase??  "these things matter but there are things that matter MORE!"   And the things that matter more are invariably ... PEOPLE!! - love the Lord your God ... and love your neighbor as yourself!!  It's all about people!!

III)  Jesus didn't have to touch the Leper!
Example:  Luke 17:14 - a word was enough!!
But .... He did!!!  He chose to do it.  Conclusion:  the touch was for the Leper!!
(1)  human touch = important, makes a difference
(2)  human touch = conveys a lot!!!
Therefore, don't be afraid to touch, however, be very CAREFUL with touch!!  learn to discern!
(3)  you can 'touch' without physical!!  ex:  a word, call, card, text, gift, prayer...
The church = the Body of Christ.  We = His hands in His absence...   Point:  God may 'touch' them ... THROUGH YOU!!!

IV)  The Leper needed more than healing... He needed cleansing!!! - "unclean" - contrast a cripple, blind man.
We often approach Christ for healing.... BUT overlook ... our great need = cleansing!!   Mark 2:5

cleansing = initial need (salvation)
cleansing = an ongoing need!!! - 1 John 1:8-10

IF you receive your cleansing ... (salvation)
THEN you will (eventually) receive your healing (heaven)

V)  The Leper's healing was his testimony
IF you encountered Christ and IF He's entered your life..., THEN you have a powerful ministry tool!!!  ie:  your testimony!!

AND it's simple to use!!!
Example:  John 9 - Blind man healed.
Step #1 - "this I know" (was blind, now see.)
Step #2 - "this I Believe" (Jesus made the difference)

but ... interesting twist:
VI)  Even your testimony is to be used according to God's directives.  "(sent away with strong warning!")
So... on one hand, a testimony never shared is of no value to others....
However, everything we have is to be used as He directs and determines.

Also note:  a testimony of healing should include evidence of healing!!
So.... on one hand, you'll never be perfect. 
However, if your testimony = "Jesus so changed my life" and yet it = total wreck?!?   That = no real testimony!