Mark Chapter 2

Jesus Heals a Paralytic

(Matthew 9:1-8; Luke 5:17-26)

1And again he entered into Capernaum, after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. 2And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. 3And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. 4And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. 6But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? 8And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? 9Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? 10But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 11I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. 12And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

Jesus Calls Levi

(Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 5:27-32)

13And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.

14And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

15And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. 16And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? 17When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Jesus Questioned about Fasting

(Matthew 9:14-15; Luke 5:33-35)

18And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? 19And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 20But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

The Patches and Wineskins

(Matthew 9:16-17; Luke 5:36-39)

21No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. 22And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.

The Lord of the Sabbath

(1 Samuel 21:1-9; Matthew 12:1-8; Luke 6:1-5)

23And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn. 24And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful? 25And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him? 26How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him? 27And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: 28Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Jesus Heals a Paralytic
(Matthew 9:1–8; Luke 5:17–26)

1 When he entered again into Capernaum after some days, it was heard that he was in the house. 2 Immediately many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even around the door; and he spoke the word to them. 3 Four people came, carrying a paralytic to him. 4 When they could not come near to him for the crowd, they removed the roof where he was. When they had broken it up, they let down the mat that the paralytic was lying on. 5 Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” 6 But there were some of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak blasphemies like that? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you reason these things in your hearts?

9 Which is easier, to tell the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Arise, and take up your bed, and walk?’ 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—

11 “I tell you, arise, take up your mat, and go to your house.” 12 He arose, and immediately took up the mat, and went out in front of them all; so that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Jesus Calls Levi
(Matthew 9:9–13; Luke 5:27–32)

13 He went out again by the seaside. All the multitude came to him, and he taught them.

14 As he passed by, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he arose and followed him.

15 It happened, that he was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax collectors and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many, and they followed him. 16 The scribes and the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why is it that he eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Questions about Fasting
(Matthew 9:14–15; Luke 5:33–35)

18 John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, and they came and asked him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don’t fast?” 19 Jesus said to them, “Can the groomsmen fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they can’t fast. 20 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then will they fast in that day.

The Patches and the Wineskins
(Matthew 9:16–17; Luke 5:36–39)

21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, or else the patch shrinks and the new tears away from the old, and a worse hole is made. 22 No one puts new wine into old wineskins, or else the new wine will burst the skins, and the wine pours out, and the skins will be destroyed; but they put new wine into fresh wineskins.”

The Lord of the Sabbath
(1 Samuel 21:1–7; Matthew 12:1–8; Luke 6:1–5)

23 It happened that he was going on the Sabbath day through the grain fields, and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of grain. 24 The Pharisees said to him, “Behold, why do they do that which is not lawful on the Sabbath day?” 25 He said to them, “Did you never read what David did, when he had need, and was hungry—he, and those who were with him? 26 How he entered into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the show bread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and gave also to those who were with him?” 27 He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 Therefore the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

Jesus Heals a Paralytic
(Matthew 9:1–8; Luke 5:17–26)

1 A few days later Jesus went back to Capernaum. And when the people heard that He was home, 2 they gathered in such large numbers that there was no more room, not even outside the door, as Jesus spoke the word to them.

3 Then a paralytic was brought to Him, carried by four men. 4 Since they were unable to get to Jesus through the crowd, they uncovered the roof above Him, made an opening, and lowered the paralytic on his mat.

5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

6 But some of the scribes were sitting there and thinking in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

8 At once Jesus knew in His spirit that they were thinking this way within themselves. “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?” He asked. 9 “Which is easier: to say to a paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your mat, and walk’? 10 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” He said to the paralytic, 11 “I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”

12 And immediately the man got up, picked up his mat, and walked out in front of them all. As a result, they were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

Jesus Calls Levi
(Matthew 9:9–13; Luke 5:27–32)

13 Once again Jesus went out beside the sea. All the people came to Him, and He taught them there.

14 As He was walking along, He saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, and Levi got up and followed Him.

15 While Jesus was dining at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Him and His disciples—for there were many who followed Him. 16 When the scribes who were Pharisees saw Jesus eating with these people, they asked His disciples, “Why does He eat a with tax collectors and sinners?”

17 On hearing this, Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Questions about Fasting
(Matthew 9:14–15; Luke 5:33–35)

18 Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were often fasting. So people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t Your disciples fast like John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees?”

19 Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them? As long as He is with them, they cannot fast. 20 But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

The Patches and the Wineskins
(Matthew 9:16–17; Luke 5:36–39)

21 No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the new piece will pull away from the old, and a worse tear will result.

22 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. Instead, new wine is poured into new wineskins.” b

The Lord of the Sabbath
(1 Samuel 21:1–7; Matthew 12:1–8; Luke 6:1–5)

23 One Sabbath Jesus was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain as they walked along. 24 So the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”

25 Jesus replied, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? 26 During the high priesthood of Abiathar, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, c which was lawful only for the priests. And he gave some to his companions as well.”

27 Then Jesus declared, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Jesus Heals a Paralytic

(Matthew 9:1-8; Luke 5:17-26)

1And again he entered into Capernaum, after some days, and it was heard that he is in the house, 2and immediately many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door, and he was speaking to them the word. 3And they come unto him, bringing a paralytic, borne by four, 4and not being able to come near to him because of the multitude, they uncovered the roof where he was, and, having broken it up, they let down the couch on which the paralytic was lying, 5and Jesus having seen their faith, saith to the paralytic, 'Child, thy sins have been forgiven thee.' 6And there were certain of the scribes there sitting, and reasoning in their hearts, 7'Why doth this one thus speak evil words? who is able to forgive sins except one -- God?' 8And immediately Jesus, having known in his spirit that they thus reason in themselves, said to them, 'Why these things reason ye in your hearts? 9which is easier, to say to the paralytic, The sins have been forgiven to thee? or to say, Rise, and take up thy couch, and walk? 10'And, that ye may know that the Son of Man hath authority on the earth to forgive sins -- (he saith to the paralytic) -- 11I say to thee, Rise, and take up thy couch, and go away to thy house;' 12and he rose immediately, and having taken up the couch, he went forth before all, so that all were astonished, and do glorify God, saying -- 'Never thus did we see.'

Jesus Calls Levi

(Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 5:27-32)

13And he went forth again by the sea, and all the multitude was coming unto him, and he was teaching them,

14and passing by, he saw Levi of Alpheus sitting at the tax-office, and saith to him, 'Be following me,' and he, having risen, did follow him.

15And it came to pass, in his reclining (at meat) in his house, that many tax-gatherers and sinners were reclining (at meat) with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many, and they followed him. 16And the scribes and the Pharisees, having seen him eating with the tax-gatherers and sinners, said to his disciples, 'Why -- that with the tax-gatherers and sinners he doth eat and drink?' 17And Jesus, having heard, saith to them, 'They who are strong have no need of a physician, but they who are ill; I came not to call righteous men, but sinners to reformation.'

Jesus Questioned about Fasting

(Matthew 9:14-15; Luke 5:33-35)

18And the disciples of John and those of the Pharisees were fasting, and they come and say to him, 'Wherefore do the disciples of John and those of the Pharisees fast, and thy disciples do not fast?' 19And Jesus said to them, 'Are the sons of the bride-chamber able, while the bridegroom is with them, to fast? so long time as they have the bridegroom with them they are not able to fast; 20but days shall come when the bridegroom may be taken from them, and then they shall fast -- in those days.

The Patches and Wineskins

(Matthew 9:16-17; Luke 5:36-39)

21'And no one a patch of undressed cloth doth sew on an old garment, and if not -- the new filling it up doth take from the old and the rent doth become worse; 22and no one doth put new wine into old skins, and if not -- the new wine doth burst the skins, and the wine is poured out, and the skins will be destroyed; but new wine into new skins is to be put.'

The Lord of the Sabbath

(1 Samuel 21:1-9; Matthew 12:1-8; Luke 6:1-5)

23And it came to pass -- he is going along on the sabbaths through the corn-fields -- and his disciples began to make a way, plucking the ears, 24and the Pharisees said to him, 'Lo, why do they on the sabbaths that which is not lawful?' 25And he said to them, 'Did ye never read what David did, when he had need and was hungry, he and those with him? 26how he went into the house of God, (at 'Abiathar the chief priest,') and the loaves of the presentation did eat, which it is not lawful to eat, except to the priests, and he gave also to those who were with him?' 27And he said to them, 'The sabbath for man was made, not man for the sabbath, 28so that the son of man is lord also of the sabbath.'

Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man

¹ Several days later, Jesus returned to Capernaum, and word spread quickly through the bustling fishing town that He was back home—the place He'd made His ministry headquarters. ² The people packed into the house where He stayed, crowding every available space until they spilled out the doorway. In this intimate setting, Jesus shared God's transformative message of hope and redemption.

³ Into this scene came four men, carrying their paralyzed friend on a sleeping mat, their determination fueled by desperate hope in Jesus' healing power. ⁴ Finding no way through the dense crowd, they climbed onto the flat roof and made an opening in its thatch and clay structure, right above where Jesus was teaching. Then, coordinating their efforts, they carefully lowered their friend down on his mat, right into the presence of Jesus.

⁵ Seeing their extraordinary display of faith, Jesus looked at the man with compassion and declared, "Son, your sins are forgiven!" ⁶ But some religious scholars sitting there began wrestling with that statement in their minds: ⁷ "How dare He say this! This is blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins! Who does this man think He is, claiming divine authority?"

⁸ Jesus, immediately aware in His spirit of their internal debate, addressed their unspoken objections: "Why are you entertaining such doubt in your hearts? ⁹ Tell Me, which seems easier: to say to this paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk? ¹⁰ But to prove to you that I, the Son of Man, have authority on earth to forgive sins..." He paused, turning to the paralyzed man and said, ¹¹ "Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!" ¹² As everyone watched in stunned silence, the man stood up, picked up his mat, and walked straight out through the astonished crowd. They erupted in praise to God, exclaiming, "We've never seen anything like this! This is beyond anything we could have imagined!"

Jesus Calls Levi and Eats With Sinners

¹³ Jesus left the house and walked along the lakeshore again, drawing crowds who hungered for His teaching, which He freely shared. ¹⁴ Passing by the tax collector's booth, He saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting there—a man despised by his community for collaborating with Rome. Jesus looked at him and said simply, "Follow Me." Amazingly, Levi stood up, leaving his lucrative position behind to follow Jesus.

¹⁵ Later, Jesus was dining at Levi's house, surrounded by tax collectors and other social outcasts—people religious society labeled as "sinners". Many sat together with Jesus and His disciples, drawn by His acceptance and message of hope to also follow Him. ¹⁶ When the religious scholars and Pharisees saw Jesus eating with such "questionable" company, they challenged His disciples: "How can your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? Doesn't He care about maintaining ritual purity?" ¹⁷ Jesus overheard and responded with pointed wisdom: "Healthy people don't need a doctor—sick people do. I haven't come to call those who think they're righteous, but those who know they need help."

Jesus Questioned About Fasting

¹⁸ Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, so they came to Jesus asking, "Why do John's disciples and the Pharisees' disciples fast, but Your followers feast?" ¹⁹ Jesus answered with a joyful metaphor: "Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the bridegroom? Of course not! They can't fast while He's with them—it's a time for celebration! ²⁰ But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast, their hearts burdened for His return."

²¹ He continued with more illustrations: "No one tears a piece from new cloth to patch old clothing. The new patch would shrink and tear away from the old cloth, making an even bigger hole. ²² And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. The fermenting wine would burst the brittle old skins, ruining both wine and wineskins. New wine needs new wineskins!" These metaphors showed how His message of God's Kingdom would now require fresh ways of thinking in the new covenant.

Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath

²³ One Sabbath, Jesus and His disciples walked through grain fields. His hungry disciples began picking heads of grain to eat, a practice normally allowed by Jewish law except on the Sabbath. ²⁴ The Pharisees, ever watchful for violations of their detailed rules, protested: "Look! Why are they breaking Sabbath law by harvesting grain?"

²⁵ Jesus responded with Scripture: "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? ²⁶ During Abiathar's time as high priest, David entered God's house and ate the sacred bread reserved only for priests. He even shared it with his companions. Yet God didn't condemn him, because human need matters more than overly ritual regulation." ²⁷ Then Jesus made a revolutionary declaration: "The Sabbath was created to benefit humanity, not humans for the Sabbath. ²⁸ Therefore, I, the Son of Man, have authority even over the Sabbath itself."

Footnotes:

Verse 16 (a) BYZ and TR include and drink ; see Luke 5:30.
Verse 22 (b) Tischendorf does not include Instead, new wine is poured into new wineskins .
Verse 26 (c) Or the Bread of the Presence

Special thanks to the BSB Translation for the above footnotes.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Mark 2?

1.1Context of Mark 2

1.2Ancient Key Word Study

1.3Mark 2 Unique Insights

1.4Question the Text

1.5Mark 2 Connections to Yeshua

1.6Mark 2 Scriptural Echoes

1.7Mark 2 Devotional

1.8Did You Know

What is the meaning of Mark 2?

Have you ever felt stuck—trapped by expectations, weighed down by guilt, or searching for something deeper? Mark 2 speaks directly to these struggles, revealing how Yeshua didn’t just heal bodies—He shattered religious barriers and redefined what it means to be truly free.

In this chapter, we see Yeshua’s authority put to the test through five intense encounters. Each moment brings Him into direct conflict with religious leaders, yet each one also unveils a deeper truth about His identity and mission. From forgiving sins to redefining the Sabbath, every act challenges conventional thinking and invites us into a radical, life-changing relationship with God.

Mark 2 is more than history—it’s a call to see Yeshua as He truly is and to ask ourselves: Are we ready to let Him rewrite our understanding of righteousness, forgiveness, and faith?

Context of Mark 2

Within Mark’s Gospel, chapter 2 follows the explosive beginning of Yeshua’s public ministry in chapter 1, where He announced the kingdom of God, called His first disciples, and demonstrated His authority through teaching and miracles. This chapter specifically focuses on the growing opposition to His ministry, particularly from the religious establishment, as His popularity among the common people increases.

The larger context reveals Mark’s strategic placement of these confrontations to establish Yeshua’s divine authority and identity. These encounters serve as early indicators of the ultimate conflict that would lead to His crucifixion. The chapter’s events align with Mark’s broader theme of presenting Yeshua as the suffering servant who came not to be served but to serve, challenging traditional messianic expectations.

This chapter also bridges the gap between the initial excitement of Yeshua’s ministry and the growing opposition that would characterize His path to the cross. It sets up fundamental questions about authority, tradition, and the nature of God’s kingdom that continue throughout Mark’s narrative.

Ancient Key Word Study

παραλυτικόν (paralytikon) – “paralytic”: This term specifically refers to someone suffering from paralysis, but in ancient medical literature, it often encompassed various forms of physical disability. The word choice emphasizes the complete helplessness of the person and magnifies the miraculous nature of the healing.
ἀφιέναι (aphienai) – “to forgive”: The root meaning includes “to send away” or “to release,” carrying legal and financial connotations of debt cancellation. In this context, it demonstrates Yeshua’s authority to release people from both physical and spiritual bondage.
ἐξουσίαν (exousian) – “authority”: This word combines “ek” (out of) and “ousia” (being), suggesting authority that flows from one’s very nature or essence. It emphasizes Yeshua’s inherent divine authority rather than delegated human authority.
καινός (kainos) – “new”: Unlike “neos” which merely means chronologically new, “kainos” implies something qualitatively new or unprecedented. This word choice emphasizes the revolutionary nature of Yeshua’s teaching and ministry.
νυμφίος (nymphios) – “bridegroom”: A rich metaphor in Jewish tradition, connecting to multiple prophetic texts where God is portrayed as Israel’s bridegroom. Its use here establishes Yeshua’s divine identity and His relationship with His followers.
σάββατον (sabbaton) – “Sabbath”: More than just the seventh day, this term embodied the entire Jewish understanding of rest, worship, and relationship with God. The conflicts over Sabbath observance strike at the heart of Jewish identity and practice.
Υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου (Huios tou anthropou) – “Son of Man”: A term from Daniel 7:13 with profound messianic implications, combining human and divine attributes. Its use here asserts Yeshua’s authority while maintaining strategic ambiguity.
χρείαν (chreian) – “need”: This word emphasizes genuine necessity rather than mere desire, supporting Yeshua’s argument that human need takes precedence over rigid religious observance.

Mark 2 Unique Insights

The chapter contains several layers of meaning that would have resonated deeply with its original audience. The healing of the paralytic, for instance, occurs in Capernaum, which means “Village of Comfort” in Hebrew. This setting provides a beautiful backdrop for a story about both physical and spiritual comfort being restored through divine forgiveness and healing.

Can a Bible Come to Life over a Coffee?

This biblical entry has a unique origin story. Find out how it came to be—and why your visit today is about so much more than words. Get your coffee ready—God’s about to visit. But will you open the door for Him?

I’m ready

The Rabbinical literature of the period reveals that the religious leaders’ reaction to Yeshua’s claim to forgive sins wasn’t merely academic. The Mishnah (Yoma 8:9) explicitly states that only the Day of Atonement and death could atone for some sins, making Yeshua’s claim particularly shocking. The teachers of the law weren’t just questioning His authority; they were responding to what they saw as a direct challenge to the entire sacrificial system.

Early church father Irenaeus (Against Heresies, 3.16.3) connects the paralytic’s four friends to the four Gospels, seeing them as representing how the unified testimony of Scripture brings people to Christ. While this may be an allegorical interpretation, it highlights the early church’s understanding of how this narrative pointed to broader theological truths about access to God’s grace through community and faith.

The reaction to Yeshua’s disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath takes on new significance when we understand that Sabbath observance was one of the three things (along with circumcision and dietary laws) that distinctly marked Jewish identity in the Greco-Roman world. Thus, this wasn’t merely about rule-breaking but about the very nature of Jewish identity and how it would be transformed through the Messiah.

Question the Text

Mark 2 is full of surprising moments that challenge assumptions and provoke deep reflection. As you read, consider these questions that highlight puzzling actions, cultural tensions, and theological implications.

Mark 2:5 – Why does Yeshua respond to the paralyzed man by forgiving his sins first instead of healing him immediately? What does this reveal about the relationship between sin, sickness, and the Messiah’s mission?
Mark 2:7 – The scribes accuse Yeshua of blasphemy, asking, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Were they correct in their theology but blind to WHO was standing before them?
Mark 2:14 – Why would Levi (Matthew), a tax collector despised by his own people, leave everything behind so quickly to follow Yeshua? What had he seen or heard that prepared him for this moment?
Mark 2:16 – Why were the Pharisees so offended by Yeshua eating with tax collectors and sinners? What does this say about their view of holiness versus Yeshua’s?
Mark 2:17 – Yeshua states, “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Is He being literal or ironic? Who might He be referring to as “righteous”?
Mark 2:18 – Why did people expect Yeshua’s disciples to fast like those of Yochanan (John) and the Pharisees? What was different about Yeshua’s ministry that made fasting unnecessary at that time?
Mark 2:21-22 – Yeshua uses the metaphors of a patched garment and new wine in old wineskins. How do these images relate to the religious systems of the time? What is He saying about the newness of His message?
Mark 2:24 – Why did the Pharisees consider plucking grain on the Sabbath to be unlawful? How does this reflect their broader approach to the Torah?
Mark 2:25-26 – Yeshua references David eating the consecrated bread. What is the significance of this example, and how does it support Yeshua’s authority over the Sabbath?
Mark 2:27-28 – Yeshua declares, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” How does this challenge legalistic interpretations of the Torah? What does it reveal about Yeshua’s role as “Lord of the Sabbath”?

Each of these questions invites us to wrestle with the text, consider the cultural and spiritual context, and reflect on how Yeshua’s words and actions continue to challenge us today.

Mark 2 Connections to Yeshua

This chapter powerfully establishes Yeshua’s divine identity through His actions and claims. The authority to forgive sins, explicitly understood as a divine prerogative, points to His deity. This connection is strengthened by the healing that validates His authority, fulfilling prophecies about the messianic age when the lame would walk (Isaiah 35:6).

The bridegroom metaphor directly connects to numerous prophetic texts where יהוה (Yahweh) is portrayed as Israel’s bridegroom (Hosea 2:19-20, Isaiah 62:5). By applying this imagery to Himself, Yeshua clearly identifies Himself with יהוה of the Hebrew Scriptures. This metaphor would later be developed in the New Testament to describe the relationship between Jesus and His Church (Ephesians 5:25-27).

Mark 2 Scriptural Echoes

The chapter resonates with numerous Old Testament themes and prophecies. The healing of the paralytic echoes Isaiah 35:6 and Isaiah 33:24, where healing and forgiveness are linked as messianic signs. The calling of Levi recalls Isaiah 56:3-8, where God promises to gather outcasts to Himself.

The Sabbath controversy connects to Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15, but Yeshua’s interpretation aligns with the prophetic tradition of Hosea 6:6: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” His reference to David eating the consecrated bread recalls 1 Samuel 21:1-6, establishing a precedent for prioritizing human need over ritual observance.

Mark 2 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own responses to divine authority and religious tradition. The four friends who brought the paralytic demonstrate the power of persistent, creative faith and the importance of bringing others to Yeshua. Their actions invite us to consider: What lengths are we willing to go to help others encounter the Messiah?

The calling of Levi reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Yeshua’s willingness to associate with tax collectors and ‘sinners’ challenges our own prejudices and comfort zones. Are we, like Him, willing to cross social boundaries to share God’s love with others?

The discussions about fasting and Sabbath observance raise important questions about how we balance religious traditions with the new life the Messiah offers. These passages encourage us to examine whether our religious practices draw us closer to God or become barriers to experiencing His grace.

Did You Know

The roof that the paralytic’s friends dug through would have likely been made of wooden beams covered with branches and packed earth. Their action would have caused significant damage and expense, highlighting their desperate faith.
Tax collectors like Levi were required to pay Rome in advance for the right to collect taxes, meaning they had to be wealthy enough to advance the money. This makes Levi’s immediate response to Yeshua’s call even more remarkable.
The phrase “Son of Man” appears 81 times in the Gospels, but almost exclusively on Yeshua’s own lips, suggesting it was His preferred self-designation.
The Greek word for “new” in the new wine parable (καινός) implies not just chronological newness but a completely new quality or nature, emphasizing the radical nature of Yeshua’s message.
The specific type of grain mentioned in the Sabbath controversy would have been wheat or barley, and the disciples’ actions of rubbing it between their hands constituted “threshing” according to Pharisaic interpretation.
The reference to Abiathar the high priest contains an apparent historical discrepancy since 1 Samuel 21 mentions Ahimelech.
The placement of this chapter in Mark’s Gospel corresponds to events that likely occurred during the spring harvest season, explaining why there was grain for the disciples to pluck.
The term “Lord of the Sabbath” would have been particularly shocking to Jewish ears as the Sabbath was considered one of the most fundamental divine institutions.

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Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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