Responding to God's New Work (Mark 2)
This sermon delves into a pivotal moment where Jesus confronts traditional religious practices, offering a fresh perspective on God's presence and purpose. It invites listeners to reflect on how they engage with God's ongoing work in their lives and the world around them.
Jesus challenges religious traditions by declaring the arrival of God's kingdom and a new covenant. He invites us to delight in His presence, go all-in with Him, and make space for His ongoing movement in our lives now.
Overview
In this sermon, the preacher explores Jesus' encounter with religious leaders who questioned why His disciples didn't fast. Jesus responds with three illustrations—a wedding feast, new cloth on an old garment, and new wine in old wineskins—to explain that He has brought a new era, the "kingdom of God," which cannot be confined by old religious systems and traditions.
The sermon emphasizes the concept of "kairos" moments, distinct from chronological time ("chronos"). A kairos moment is a specific season or window of opportunity from God that requires a timely response. The preacher contrasts those who cling to the past or skip to the future with those who are present and responsive to what God is doing right now.
Jesus' three illustrations serve as invitations. The wedding feast signifies an invitation to delight in His presence, recognizing that the long-awaited Bridegroom is here. The new cloth on an old garment illustrates an invitation to go "all-in" with Jesus, embracing a new operating system rather than trying to patch Him into old ways of living.
Finally, the new wine in old wineskins symbolizes an invitation to make space for God's new covenant and new life, which is not based on works or earning, but on what Jesus accomplished. The sermon concludes by urging listeners to identify where God is working in their lives and the world, and to make space through prayer and community to respond fully to His current movement.
Key points
- Jesus' ministry brought a new kingdom, the "kingdom of God," which changed how people related to God.
- Religious leaders questioned why Jesus' disciples did not fast according to tradition.
- Jesus used illustrations of a wedding, new cloth on old garments, and new wine in old wineskins to explain that a new era had come.
- The sermon introduces "kairos" moments as God's specific, timely opportunities requiring present response, distinct from "chronos" (chronological time).
- Jesus extends three invitations: to delight in His presence, to go all-in with Him, and to make space for His new work and covenant.
- The new covenant, brought by Jesus, is about receiving forgiveness and mercy based on His work, not religious merit.
- Responding to God's current work involves opening our eyes, making space through prayer, and engaging in community.
In Rick Warren's words
“God's purposes and plans require the right response at the right moment.”
“The great reward is not religion and checking a box. The great reward is the very presence of God in your midst.”
“I came to be in charge of your entire life. And the kingdom of God is like this full overhaul of your operating system.”
Outline
- I. Introduction: Jesus on the Move
- A. Jesus changed the religious system and relationship with God
- B. Mark describes Jesus' ministry, bringing the Kingdom of God
- C. Mark 1:14-15: "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news."
- II. The Question of Fasting (Mark 2)
- A. John's disciples and Pharisees fasted; Jesus' disciples did not
- B. Fasting was an outward sign of religiosity and tradition
- III. God's Purposes Require the Right Response at the Right Moment
- A. The Law revealed need for a savior; Jesus came with newness
- B. Life flows in "chronos" (chronological time) and "kairos" (a season or moment of opportunity)
- C. Tendency to hang on too long to the past or move on too soon to the future, missing the present "kairos" moment
- D. The sons of Issachar understood the signs of the times (1 Chronicles 12)
- IV. Three Illustrations, Three Invitations
- A. The Wedding: Invitation to Delight
- 1. Jesus as the bridegroom, the one awaited for generations
- 2. Focus on joy and presence, not fasting during celebration
- 3. Delight in God's presence in every season of life
- B. The Garment: Invitation to Go All-In
- 1. New patch on old cloth tears the garment
- 2. Jesus is not a patch to fit into an existing system, but a new operating system
- 3. God wants the whole of you, not just a compartment
- 4. Fresh surrender of your whole heart to Jesus
- C. The Wine: Invitation to Make Space
- 1. New wine in old wineskins bursts the skins, wasting both
- 2. Jesus brings new wine, a new covenant, new life not based on works or religion
- 3. Cannot mesh the new covenant with the old system
- 4. Make space for God to move, to hear from Him, to receive His new thing
- V. Responding to the "Kairos" Moment
- A. Where do I see God working in my life right now?
- B. Where is God at work in our world? (e.g., younger generation, church growth)
- C. Practical ways to respond: prayer (Return Night), small groups (community)
- D. Make space for God to speak and encounter the living God
Scripture references
14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.
1 Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they were among the mighty men, helpers of the war.
2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin.
1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
+ 12 more verses — Read Revelation of John 5 in full context →
Insights
Old ways often struggle to contain the new life that God brings.
A present moment with God can outweigh many past traditions.
Responding to God means seeing Him active in this very season.
Questions & answers
Why didn't Jesus' disciples fast, according to the sermon?
Jesus explained that His presence, like a bridegroom at a wedding, was a time for celebration, not fasting. He was bringing a new season, a 'kairos moment,' which rendered the old religious traditions around fasting irrelevant for that particular time.
What is the meaning of a "kairos moment" as described in the sermon?
A 'kairos moment' is a specific season or window of opportunity that God brings, requiring a timely and open response. It contrasts with 'chronos,' which refers to chronological time, highlighting that God's work happens in specific, meaningful seasons we must be present for.
What are the three invitations Jesus offers, based on His illustrations?
Jesus offers an invitation to delight in His presence, like guests at a wedding feast. He also invites us to go 'all-in,' embracing a new way of living with Him rather than trying to patch Him into our old systems. Lastly, He invites us to make space for the new life and new covenant He brings.
How does the sermon describe the 'new covenant' Jesus brings?
The sermon states that the new covenant Jesus brings is not about works, religion, or earning salvation. Instead, it is about receiving forgiveness and mercy from God based on what Jesus accomplished through the cross and empty tomb, available to anyone who turns to Him.
What does the sermon mean by 'going all-in' with Jesus?
Going 'all-in' means allowing Jesus to be in charge of your entire life, not just a compartment of it. It signifies a full overhaul of one's operating system, aligning allegiance to His kingdom above all else, and surrendering your whole heart to Him in a fresh way.
What practical steps does the sermon suggest for making space for God?
Practical steps include making time for prayer walks and listening to God, spending time reading the Bible before the day starts, and joining small groups for community. These actions help create room for God to move and speak in one's life.
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