In Mark 2, we see several instances where Jesus was questioned for His actions. However, in His responses, He reveals the truth about faith and works.
The first instance is when a group of people carried a paralyzed man to Jesus.
They could not enter the house because of the large crowd, so they found a way to dig through the roof to lower the man down to Jesus. Jesus saw their faith and healed the paralyzed man.
This event shows that their action is done by faith. The people who brought the paralyzed man did not just wait for Jesus to come to them; they went to Him, believing (having Faith, confidence in Jesus) that He could heal. Our works are a result of our faith.
Later in the chapter, Jesus was criticized for eating and drinking with sinners. He responded by saying that He came to call sinners, not the righteous. We cannot earn our salvation through our “righteous” works, but rather, it is by faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus' disciples were also criticized for not fasting like the Pharisees and John's disciples. Jesus replied by saying that they cannot fast while He is with them. This event shows that there is a time for fasting and a time for celebrating. We should not just follow traditions or rituals, but we should be led by the Holy Spirit.
Finally, Jesus' disciples were criticized for picking grains on the Sabbath. Jesus responded by referring to David, who ate the consecrated bread when he and his companions were hungry. This event shows that Jesus prioritized mercy and compassion over legalistic rules. We should also prioritize compassion over rules.
In these instances, Jesus shows that it is not about our works, but rather, our faith in Him. We cannot earn our salvation by our works, but rather, it is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We should renew our minds to understand that it is not about our works, but about the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
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