Mark 2
When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Jesus went out again beside the sea; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples—for there were many who followed him. When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard this, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus said to them, “The wedding guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. “No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.” One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?” And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food? He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions.” Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”
The Significance of Mark 2
Mark 2 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of Mark. It showcases Jesus’ authority and compassion. The chapter begins with the healing of a paralyzed man. This event is significant for several reasons.
First, it demonstrates Jesus’ power to forgive sins. When the paralyzed man is brought to Jesus, He first forgives the man’s sins. This act causes controversy among the scribes. They believe only God can forgive sins. Jesus perceives their thoughts and challenges them. He asks which is easier: to forgive sins or to heal. To prove His authority, Jesus heals the man. The man stands up, takes his mat, and walks. This miracle amazes the crowd. They glorify God, saying they have never seen anything like it.
Next, Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him. Tax collectors were despised in Jewish society. They were seen as traitors and sinners. Yet, Jesus dines with Levi and other tax collectors. This act raises questions among the Pharisees. They wonder why Jesus associates with sinners. Jesus responds that He came to call sinners, not the righteous. This statement highlights His mission. He seeks to save those who are lost.
The chapter also addresses the issue of fasting. People question why Jesus’ disciples do not fast. Jesus compares Himself to a bridegroom. He explains that it is inappropriate to fast while the bridegroom is present. However, there will be a time for fasting when the bridegroom is taken away. This analogy points to Jesus’ future suffering and departure.
Jesus then uses two metaphors: new cloth on an old cloak and new wine in old wineskins. These metaphors illustrate the incompatibility of old and new practices. Jesus brings a new covenant. It cannot be contained within old traditions. This teaching emphasizes the transformative nature of His ministry.
Finally, the chapter concludes with a discussion about the Sabbath. Jesus and His disciples are criticized for plucking grain on the Sabbath. The Pharisees see this as unlawful. Jesus responds by referencing David. He reminds them that David ate the bread of the Presence when in need. Jesus then declares that the Sabbath was made for humankind, not humankind for the Sabbath. He asserts His lordship over the Sabbath.
In summary, Mark 2 reveals key aspects of Jesus’ identity and mission. He has the authority to forgive sins. He associates with sinners to bring them salvation. His teachings challenge traditional practices. He redefines the purpose of the Sabbath. This chapter is essential for understanding Jesus’ role as the Messiah. It shows His divine authority and compassionate heart.