Mark 2:1-12 (Brian Jenkins)

A man was sitting at a table of Christian leaders and the question was asked him, "How often do you lead someone to Christ?" and he responded "every time". The table of leaders couldn't believe it, they responded. "Every time you talk with somebody about Jesus they get saved?" He responded, "No, I said I lead them to Jesus, what He does after that has nothing to do with me. I only lead them to Jesus."

Evangelism is leading people to Jesus. Read Mark 2:1-2. This is a great picture of Jesus at home preaching the word. There were so many people that the house was overflowing out the front door. He was teaching THE WORD, with no powerpoint, no programming, just "packing the house" by speaking the Word of God.

Keep the picture of that scene in your mind and read Mark 2:3-4. These 4 men are carrying a friend of theirs to Jesus to be healed. They don't look at the crowd and think "Impossible, too many people, there is no opening in the roof, and no ladder to get him down." They didn't make excuses, they responded with a "we are going to get him to the feet of Jesus no matter what." They dug through the roof and lowered him down to Jesus amidst all the people, did not apologize.

Read Mark 2:5. "When Jesus saw their faith, he said to they paralyzed man, 'Son, your sins are forgiven." The man was healed because of the faith of his friends. Faith is critical to evangelism. If you lack faith, it is because you haven't trusted God completely. God is faithful, believe that!

In the midst of this we also see what the religious leaders were thinking. Read Mark 2:6-11. They just didn't know who Jesus was. He called himself the Son of Man, a reference from Daniel 7:13-14, which they would have been familiar with "He was given all authority, glory, and sovereign power." (vs. 14) But they did not believe.

Which is easier, to forgive sins or make the lame walk? Read Mark 2:10-11. So the paralyzed man walks out and his sins are forgiven. Read vs. 12, "This amazed everyone and they praised God." I wonder if they all missed the real miracle that occured. We do. We celebrate healings and God's miracles, as we should. But that is our earthly existence, not our heavenly eternity! Our sins are forgiven! God forgives you! Forgive yourself! Forgive others! If you don't, you can never be all Christ wants you to be in Him.

When you see people in pain/hurting/in need... take them to Jesus. Evangelism is taking people to Jesus.

Discussion Questions:
1. How well would you say you are doing at evangelism? What areas do you need help in?
2. Do you trust God completely? How strong is your faith? What are some growth areas?
3. What is one thing you will start to do this week to increase your faith and trust in God?