October 22nd, 2011 Book of Mark Wk5

October 24, 2011/jessecraig

Continuing our series in the book of Mark, we see Jesus turn upside down the expectations of how deep God’s love goes. In the midst of that he also reveals the key to continuous growth in our life with God.

If you want a study tool to go along with the podcast, see Lift Notes here:

The Gospel of Mark: Who would Jesus invite to dinner?

October 23, 2011 by Kasey Crawford

Today’s Passage: Mark 2:13-17

Review…(Mark 1:1-2:12)

A framework for understanding Mark: The book of Mark puts on display how Jesus brings more of heaven to earth and invites his followers to experience the same as they learn a new (kingdom) way of life from the Master and respond with regular repentance and belief in His good news.

The disciple carries with them two questions at every moment of every day: What is God saying to me? (repent) and What am I going to do about it? (believe); so that little by little every day we turn away from our old life and grab hold of more of heaven on earth now.

New (Mark 2:13-17)

It wouldn’t strike the reader as strange that Jesus would call a fisherman, for they are a ______________ part of society.

But when Jesus gives that same invitation to a tax collector, suddenly an _____________ will emerge. And questions will arise.

As collaborators with Rome, Tax collectors were seen as ___________ ____________ by the most of Jewish people.

But then it gets worse, the next thing we know, Jesus is reclining at a table, _________ __________ at Levi’s house.

Table Fellowship: Sharing a meal around a table was a highly symbolic event that signified a mutual desire for ______________ and an acknowledgment of each other’s mutual ___________ in society.

But Jesus wasn’t done. It wasn’t just a little private dinner, it’s a full blown public _________ with all of Levi’s friends, the “___________.”

The “sinners” were the people who _____________ lived sinfully rather than religiously, according to the standard of the religious leaders, ____________ any outward attempt at following God.

When the religious leaders question how he can do this, he responds: Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners. 2:17

Jesus is demonstrating that when heaven comes to earth there is a boundless, inclusive, ______ love of God that the status quo has just begun to imagine how deep it really goes.

In Jesus, heaven’s heart has come to earth demonstrating that everyone is invited to the table of _____________ and intimate _______________.

Jesus demonstrates that heaven will be experienced now (and well up into eternity) by people who fundamentally know that they can’t get life right on their ______. Essentially, righteous means: right with _______ and right _________

The fundamental key that will unlock heaven to pour down into your life is the ____________ ________________ on him.

Humble dependence is the _____________ posture of the true disciple.

“God opposes the proud, but gives grace (power) to the humble” 1 Peter 5:5

Humble dependence is simply what opens the door for God to ________ ____________ in your life.