NT Fire Starters – Day 47: Mark 2:1-22

READ: Mark 2:1-22

THINK: There are a lot of people in the world who don’t think they need God. Some simply want to live life on their own terms. Others may not totally disregard God, but they think that their own efforts are good enough to assure them favor with Him. As a result, they fail to entrust their lives and spiritual salvation to God’s Son, Jesus, who provided the only true way to eternal life with God. Sadly, many people not only reject Jesus themselves, they make it difficult for others to find hope and fulfillment through Him. Then again, there are people who not only follow Jesus, they do what they can to help others find forgiveness, hope and new life through Him. Which of these descriptions fits you?

RESPOND: What can we learn about bringing people to Jesus from the story of the healing of the paralyzed man (vv. 1-12)? (See Mark 2:11 note.) What does Jesus’ response to the teachers and Pharisees tell us about His mission on earth (vv. 16-17)? What did Jesus mean when He said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”? (See 2:17 note.)

PRAY: Pray for someone you know who seems to sense no need for God in his or her life. Pray that they would come to a point of recognizing their need for Jesus and opening their lives to Him.

ACT: While many people you know may see no need for Jesus, there are likely those around you who are looking for hope and would be open to Him. But they do not know that He’s waiting for them and may have no idea how to approach Him. Think of someone who has a need and may be ready to consider Christ. Then think of a way to help bring him or her closer to receiving Jesus. Befriend this individual and learn his or her story. You could also invite this person to church or to an event with friends. In fact, you could enlist the help of your Christian friends to reach out and influence this person for Jesus.