Mark 2 - Introduction

Jesus Can Forgive Sins

Mark Two

Mark chapter two begins a look at Jesus as he faced controversies with the opposing Pharisees. It was difficult for the Jews to accept the fact that it was God's plan trough Christ for Christianity to replace Judaism.

After His temptation Jesus returned to a house in Capernaum. There Jesus was swamped with a host of people desiring to have healing and to hear Him preach. Jesus healed a man that was let down through the roof. He forgave the man's sins. If God is the only one with authority to forgive sins, then by this action Jesus shows Himself to be God in the flesh.

A multitude gathered with Jesus. As He passed by He called Levi (Matthew) to follow Him. He went into the house of Levi and ate with many publicans and sinners. The Pharisees criticized saying, "How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?" Jesus replied, "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 was upsetting to the norm in every way. The people could not understand why His disciples did not fast. Jesus explained by identifying Himself as the bridegroom that was still present with them. Jesus also disturbed religious tradition by the manner in which He observed the Sabbath. God had commanded Sabbath keeping. Therefore, it was holy. If Jesus failed to properly keep the Sabbath His claims about Himself and His mission could be questioned.