HANDOUT FOR SERMON: SPENDING TIME WITH JESUS.                                                                                                    Manchester, TN, August 21st, 2022, 9:30 a.m.

INTRODUCTION:  Do you ever wonder what it would be like to spend time with Jesus. What would it be like to find oneself “face to face with Jesus?” In order to really know and understand someone you have to spend time with them.  Where is the place for one to turn to get to know Jesus?  In the New Testament the Gospels describe the interactions of Jesus.  Define Interaction: reciprocal action or influence, communication or direct involvement with someone or something. Synonyms: action activity movement, interplay, function, movement and motion.

The goal with our lesson today: interacting with the heart and the will of Jesus. In order to do this we will consider how Jesus interacted with others in Mark chapter 2.

Examples of Jesus interacting: Matthew 4:21-22 James & John, John 4:7-42 A Samaritan woman, John 5:1-15 A crippled beggar, Matthew 19:16-30 A rich young ruler, Mark 5:1-20 A demoniac man, Mark 5:21-43 Jairus, a synagogue ruler, Mark 5: 24-34 A hemorrhaging woman. Matthew 9:9-13 Tax collectors & sinners, Luke 23:6-16 Herod introduced by Pilate, John 1:45-51 Nathaniel invited by Philip, John 8:1-11 An adulterous woman brought by the scribes.

LESSON:                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1.IMITATE JESUS CHRIST.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:1, Ephesians 5:1-2, 1 John 2:6

The Gospel of Mark: The Gospel of Mark was written after Acts 2 events and after the Church had been in existence for about 2-3 years. Mark’s job was to record the life of Jesus Christ for a Christian audience.  God’s saved people needed to hear this message. Mark jumps right into telling us about the mission and work of Jesus.

Understanding the “nature” of Jesus”. What do we mean with the word “nature?”
Human nature: the innate, essential qualities or character of a person.
Synonyms: personality, disposition, temperament, psyche, fiber.
What was the true nature, attitude and disposition of Jesus the Son of God?
His emotion, feelings interaction with others, His humility, gentleness, kindness, patience and submission.

THREE EXAMPLES WHERE WE GET A GLIMPSE OF THE NATURE OF JESUS AND THE NATURE OF MANKIND.

The nature of Jesus the Son of God, Mark 2:1-12
The nature of His Disciples. Mark 2:13-17
The nature of the Pharisees. Mark 2:23-28

The Nature of Jesus, Mark 2:1-12

A teacher of the Word, v. 2 & 13.
Jesus loved to teach, do the will of His father and spread the will of God.
He was a helper to the seeker, v. 4-6.
He was a caller of the sinner. Jesus goes to Levi the tax collector.
He was a protector of His people. Jesus defended His disciples when criticized.

If you spent time with Jesus, these are some of the things you would have seen, experienced and learned about Him. Imitate Him!

The Nature of His Disciples, Mark 2:13-17.

They loved to hear the words of Jesus. 2 Corinthians 6:13 open heart.
They were seekers of His help. John 16:24, Matthew 7:7
They were people who answered the Lord’s call.
They learned that whatever the issues they were facing – these can be resolved because they answered His call and turned towards Him and followed Him. Matthew 11:28-30
They were receivers of His protection. 2 Thessalonians 3:3, 1 Corinthians 10:13.
They had the attitude of humility and submission. 1 Peter 5:6-7. Ephesians 4:2, Colossians 3:12
Galatians 1:4, 1 John 5:19 Keep you from the evil one.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Jesus who strengthens me.

So if you spent time with Jesus, how would this affect your life, your ideas, your viewpoints you decisions as a follower of Jesus?

The nature of the Pharisees, Mark 2:23-28

They rejected any teaching that was not familiar and was unlike their own teaching, religious traditions, and opinions.
They rejected any power that was beyond their own power and control.
They rejected any association outside their own circles or social groups they had deemed unsuitable.
They rejected decisions and behavior that was not according to their approval and judgment.

So what does this teach you? What do we do with this instruction of Jesus? Dare we look inward and critically to find out if we as believers have the “nature of the Pharisees?”

CONCLUSION Consider 3 teaching that may help us:                                                                                                                                1. We must abandon Pharisaical attitudes and religion.                                                                                                                       2. We must become humble disciples.                                                                                                                                                          3. We must mirror the nature of Jesus.                                                                                                                                                           There is coming a day in which every human being will literally interact with Jesus Christ the Son of God, face to face!  How do you think that will go? Maybe it is time to start thinking about that and prepare yourself!