Fishers of Men
Mark 1:14-45
Intro: Jesus demonstrated his authority
I. By proclaiming his message (14-15)
A. His message is called "the gospel of God."
B. His message has two parts:
1. God's part--the time has come for his kingdom
2. Our part--repent and believe
II. By calling his disciples (16-20)
A. He calls them to follow him
--they left work and family behind
B. He calls them to become "fishers of men"
--implies a similar tactic, but a new target
III. By healing the sick (21-45)
A. He healed a demon-possessed man (21-28)
--it happened in the synagogue
--he was teaching with authority (22, 27)
--the demon announced who Jesus was
--news traveled fast
--shows his authority over demons
B. He healed Simon's mother-in-law (29-31)
--shows his authority over illness
C. He healed many others (32-34)
--shows that the extent of his authority was not limited
D. He went to his Father to have his strength restored (35-39)
--shows the need for time alone with God to recover
--shows how ministry flows from our relationship with God
E. He healed a leper (40-45)
--shows his compassion on the outcast (note that he touched him, 41)
--gives a "calling card" to the authorities in Jerusalem (how many cured
lepers do you suppose they saw?)
--Jesus asks for silence, but the man couldn't contain himself; this led to
Jesus being forced out of the cities because of the crowds.
