Jesus: The Carpenter’s Son Pastor Kile Baker - January 7th, 2024 What did people say about Jesus? What do people say about Jesus? What do you say about Jesus? Mark 8:34b-35: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” What Jesus wants us to say about Him: “Jesus is my teacher, master and Lord. I willingly believe in, and follow Him. I am nothing, He is everything. I will die a slow death to my will and my ways every day as I seek His will and His ways. I will experience hardship, struggle, loss, persecution, and suffering for following Him. I accept this. I cannot truly live without Jesus, only He can give me life by accepting His Gospel.” Mark 5:21-24 When Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the sea. One of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet and begged him earnestly, “My little daughter is dying. Come and lay your hands on her so that she can get well and live.” So Jesus went with him, and a large crowd was following and pressing against him. Mark 5:35-43 While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue leader’s house and said, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher anymore?” When Jesus overheard what was said, he told the synagogue leader, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe.” He did not let anyone accompany him except Peter, James, and John, James’s brother. They came to the leader’s house, and he saw a commotion—people weeping and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” They laughed at him, but he put them all outside. He took the child’s father, mother, and those who were with him, and entered the place where the child was. Then he took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum” (which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, get up”). Immediately the girl got up and began to walk. (She was twelve years old.) At this they were utterly astounded. Then he gave them strict orders that no one should know about this and told them to give her something to eat. Jesus’ encouragement: “Have faith, don’t lose hope, I will overcome.” Mark 6:1-6 He left there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. “Where did this man get these things?” they said. “What is this wisdom that has been given to him, and how are these miracles performed by his hands? Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren’t his sisters here with us?” So they were offended by him. "Jesus' teachings went beyond mere wisdom; they carried an authority that resonated with prophetic insights. His words weren't just guidance but often carried the weight of divine revelation." "The evidence of Jesus' divinity lies not only in his words but in his actions. His life, teachings, miracles, and resurrection collectively attest to a transcendent nature beyond that of an ordinary man." Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his household.” He was not able to do a miracle there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. He was going around the villages teaching. There is a big difference between knowing about Jesus, and having the courage to follow Jesus. Knowing Jesus well does not produce a disciple. Following Jesus faithfully produces a disciple. When someone knows you before you chose to follow Jesus, they won’t recognize you at first when they see you following Jesus. What did people say about Jesus? Why is Jesus unique? Wasn’t he just a wise teacher? Were the miracles real? Wasn’t he just a man? "The significance of Jesus' identity cannot be overstated. It's not merely a matter of historical curiosity but a fundamental aspect that shapes one's worldview and eternity." Next Steps: Spend weekly time hearing about Jesus: (1) Attend on Sundays and ask someone to come with you. (2) Join a group and discuss His life together. Spend daily time learning about Jesus: Start and be disciplined to finish through a reading plan. Spend daily time submitting to Jesus: “Father, if you are willing, __________, nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Next week: Jesus: a friend of sinners