3/19/2026 Midtown Church Thursday Service

“CALLED TO A LIFE BEYOND THE CROWD”

Pastor Christa Armstead

BIG IDEA:
Crowds followed Jesus, but many stayed in the crowd.
Some were curious.
Some were amazed.
Some were inspired.
But few moved beyond the crowd.

POINT 1: JESUS TAUGHT CROWDS

• Mark 2:13–17
• Jesus preached the Good News.
• People were hungry for hope.
• Jesus ate with sinners.

POINT 2: JESUS BLESSED CROWDS

• Mark 2:1–4 – Friends bring a man through the roof.
• Mark 8:7–8 – Jesus feeds the 4,000.
• Mark 1:40–43 – Jesus heals a man with leprosy.
• John 6:26 – “You are looking for me… because you ate the loaves.”
• Many weren’t hungry for truth—just for what Jesus could do.
• Jesus meets needs, but He is ultimately after transformed hearts.

POINT 3: JESUS CALLS PEOPLE OUT OF THE CROWD

• Mark 1:16–18 – “Come, follow me.”
• Mark 2 – Jesus calls Levi (a tax collector).
• Jesus calls ordinary people.
• Jesus calls broken people.
• Jesus calls the overlooked.
• Jesus often told people not to broadcast their miracles.
• He’s not gathering crowds—He’s building committed followers.

CALL TO ACTION

• Mark 8:34–37
• Following Jesus requires courage and commitment.
• Many wanted miracles; few accepted the call to commitment.
• Miracles reveal the Messiah, but the greater miracle is choosing to follow Him.
• Jesus invites us to move from:
  Curious → Convicted
  Casual → Consecrated
  Comfortable → Courageous
  Crowd Pleasers → Christ Followers

FINAL THOUGHT: 

Jesus is still asking: “Will you follow Me?”