What I Want vs What I Need

Steve McKenzie January 24, 2021

January 24, 2021

Mark 2:1-17 (Sermon Slides)

• The Paralytic’s Need – Forgiveness
• “The Bible says that our real problem is that every one of us is building our identity on something besides Jesus. Whether it’s to succeed in our chosen field or to have a certain relationship—or even to get up and walk—we’re saying, “If I have that, if I get my deepest wish, then everything will be okay.” You’re looking to that thing to save you from oblivion, from disillusionment, from mediocrity. You’ve made that wish into your savior. You never use that term, of course—but that’s what’s happening. And if you never quite get it, you’re angry, unhappy, empty. But if you do get it, you ultimately feel more empty, more unhappy. You’ve distorted your deepest wish by trying to make it into your savior, and now that you finally have it, it’s turned on you.” – Tim Keller

DEMONSTRATING JESUS’ AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE

• Which is heard: Forgiving or Healing (Mark 2:6-12)
• Jesus healed the paralytic man so that everyone would know that he had the authority to forgive sins because he is God.
• It is here that we see the shadow of the cross extend from the distant horizon stretch across the path of Jesus.
  • Jesus knew what lay ahead to pay for this man’s sins; Mark 8:31, 9:30, 10:33

FOLLOWING JESUS, FOR JESUS

• Unlikely Sinners Sought by Jesus (Mark 2:13-14)
• Jesus pursues relationship with people who understand their need (Mark 2:15-17, Romans 3:9-18)

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR US TODAY

• HUMBLE HEARTS
  • What do you want from Jesus vs What do you need?
    • Think back to the past 2-3 weeks – what have you requested from God?
    • In the coming weeks, as you commune with God, ask Jesus, “What do I need?”
    • Then ask, “Help me to desire what you say I need and to understand my own desires.”

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