MARK 6:1-6 – HAS JESUS LEFT THE BUILDING?
Elvis has left the building” is a phrase that was often used by public address announcers at the conclusion of Elvis Presley concerts in order to disperse audiences who lingered in hopes of an encore. It has since become a catchphrase and punchline.
The phrase was first used by promoter Horace Logan at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum on the fairgrounds of the Louisiana State Fair in Shreveport, Louisiana, on December 15, 1956. Elvis had appeared in the middle of the night’s lineup, and Logan needed to quiet the audience so that the remaining performers could play. The full quotation was:
All right, all right, Elvis has left the building. I’ve told you absolutely straight up to this point. You know that. He has left the building. He left the stage and went out the back with the policemen and he is now gone from the building.
The phrase has since become a catchphrase and punchline, used to refer to anyone who has exited in some sense (even death). Elvis has left the building – Wikipedia
You might be wondering why I would ever title a message with the question, “Has Jesus left the building?” First of all, let me assure that when an individual comes under conviction that he or she cannot earn their way to Heaven in any way, and that their sin is keeping them out, and turns to Jesus the Son of God and truly believes the Gospel, that person will never lose their salvation. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, John 10:27-30
When Christians meet, Jesus is there. Matthew 18:20 – For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
He says in Matthew 28:20 – …And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age…”
So why the question, “Has Jesus left the building?”
As the passage we just read tells us, Jesus was limited from doing major miracles and left without doing any.
Although Jesus never leaves a true believer, it is possible for us as individuals, and as a church to see Jesus stop accomplishing major things and moving on. In a day when the world so badly needs the Lord Jesus, we should be alarmed if Jesus should stop using us or His church for His glory! We should in no way want to hinder the work of the Lord Jesus which is accomplished through the work of His Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:19 – Do not quench the Spirit.
Ephesians 4:30-32 – And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
So, let’s look at this text to see how we can assure that Jesus has not left the building, that He is still using us and our church.
Jesus Returned. – Mark 6:1, Luke 4:16-30, He’s here at least four times a week, giving you opportunities, to worship, to learn, to encourage, to grow.
Jesus Retaught. – Mark 6:2, 2 Timothy 4:2
The Citizens Reacted to Jesus. – Mark 6:2, Ezekiel 33:30-33 – No matter who powerful a message might sound, it is a great message for you unless the Holy Spirit uses it to change your life!
The Citizens Rejected Jesus. – Mark 6:3, Luke 10:16
Jesus Responded. – Mark 6:4, 6, Luke 7:9 – He marveled at great faith and great unbelief.
Jesus was Restrained. – Mark 6:5, Hebrews 3:18-19
Jesus Retreated. – Mark 6:6, Revelation 2:4-5
Has Jesus “left” working in your life? Repent and allow Him to speak to and through you!
