Faith in Action
The story of the paralytic man and his friends (Mark 2:1-12) demonstrates the power of faith in action. Their determination to bring the man to Jesus, even through unconventional means, exemplifies a faith that is persistent and creative.

Authority to Forgive Sins
Jesus declares, Son, your sins are forgiven (Mark 2:5). This statement not only heals the man physically but also spiritually, showcasing Jesus' divine authority to forgive sins, a point of contention with the scribes.

Jesus, Friend of Sinners
Jesus' choice to dine with tax collectors and sinners (Mark 2:15-17) illustrates His mission to reach the lost and marginalized, emphasizing that He came not to call the righteous, but sinners (Mark 2:17).

New Wine in New Wineskins
The parable of the new wine and old wineskins (Mark 2:21-22) symbolizes the new covenant Jesus introduces, which cannot be contained within the old traditions and legalism of the Pharisees.

Lord of the Sabbath
Jesus asserts His authority over the Sabbath (Mark 2:23-28), teaching that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, and revealing His identity as the Lord even of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28).Exercise Persistent Faith
Like the friends of the paralytic, we should be persistent in our faith, finding ways to bring ourselves and others closer to Jesus, regardless of obstacles.

Embrace Forgiveness
Recognize the importance of forgiveness in our lives, both receiving it from Christ and extending it to others, as a reflection of Jesus' forgiving nature.

Reach Out to the Marginalized
Follow Jesus' example by reaching out to those who are marginalized or considered sinners in society, offering them love and acceptance.

Embrace the New Covenant
Be open to the transformative work of Christ in our lives, allowing His new covenant to reshape our hearts and minds beyond traditional constraints.

Honor the Sabbath
Understand the true purpose of the Sabbath as a time for rest and spiritual renewal, focusing on our relationship with God rather than legalistic observance.1. Jesus
Central figure in the chapter, performing miracles and teaching. He is referred to as "the Son of Man" (Mark 2:10), a title that emphasizes both His humanity and divine authority, rooted in the Greek term "ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου" (ho huios tou anthrōpou).

2. Paralytic Man
A man who is brought to Jesus by his friends for healing. His faith, along with that of his friends, is highlighted when Jesus forgives his sins and heals him (Mark 2:3-5).

3. Four Friends
The individuals who carry the paralytic man to Jesus, demonstrating faith and determination by lowering him through the roof (Mark 2:3-4).

4. Scribes
Religious leaders who question Jesus' authority to forgive sins, accusing Him of blasphemy (Mark 2:6-7). The Greek term "γραμματεῖς" (grammateis) refers to these experts in the Jewish law.

5. Crowd
The people gathered around Jesus, witnessing His teachings and miracles. They are amazed by His authority and actions (Mark 2:2, 12).

6. Levi (Matthew)
A tax collector called by Jesus to follow Him. Levi hosts a dinner for Jesus, which includes many tax collectors and sinners (Mark 2:14-15). The Greek name "Λευίς" (Leuis) is used here.

7. Pharisees
Another group of religious leaders who question Jesus' association with sinners and His disciples' practices, such as not fasting (Mark 2:16, 18, 24). The term "Φαρισαῖοι" (Pharisaioi) is used in the Greek text.

8. John's Disciples
Followers of John the Baptist who are mentioned in the context of questioning Jesus about fasting practices (Mark 2:18).1. Capernaum
Description
Capernaum is the town where Jesus returned after some days, and it is described as His home base during His ministry in Galilee. It is here that He performed many miracles and taught the people. The Greek root of the name "Capernaum" (Καφαρναούμ) suggests a "village of comfort," which aligns with Jesus' healing and teaching ministry there.
Scripture Reference
"A few days later, Jesus went back to Capernaum. And when the people heard that He was home, they gathered in such large numbers that there was no more room, not even outside the door, as He preached the word to them." (Mark 2:1-2)

2. Levi's House
Description
Levi's house is where Jesus dined with tax collectors and sinners, demonstrating His mission to reach the lost and marginalized. Levi, also known as Matthew, was a tax collector called by Jesus to be a disciple. The setting of Levi's house highlights the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry.
Scripture Reference
"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." (Mark 2:15)

3. Grainfields
Description
The grainfields are where Jesus and His disciples walked on the Sabbath, and His disciples picked heads of grain. This setting becomes the backdrop for a discussion on the Sabbath and Jesus' authority over it. The Greek term for "grainfields" (σπορίμων) indicates cultivated fields, emphasizing the everyday life context of Jesus' teachings.
Scripture Reference
"One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain as they walked along." (Mark 2:23)1. Jesus Heals a Paralytic (Mark 2:1-12)
Jesus returns to Capernaum, and a large crowd gathers. Four men bring a paralytic to Jesus, lowering him through the roof. Jesus first forgives the man's sins, saying, "Son, your sins are forgiven" (Mark 2:5). The scribes question this in their hearts, thinking only God can forgive sins. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, asks, "Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your mat, and walk’?" (Mark 2:9). He then heals the man to demonstrate His authority to forgive sins, and the man walks out in full view of everyone.

2. The Calling of Levi (Mark 2:13-17)
Jesus walks by the sea and teaches the crowd. He sees Levi (Matthew), son of Alphaeus, at the tax booth and says, "Follow Me" (Mark 2:14). Levi follows Him, and later, Jesus dines at Levi's house with many tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees question why He eats with sinners, to which Jesus responds, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Mark 2:17).

3. Question About Fasting (Mark 2:18-22)
People question Jesus about why His disciples do not fast like John's disciples and the Pharisees. Jesus answers, "How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them?" (Mark 2:19). He explains that the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken away, and then they will fast. He uses the metaphors of unshrunk cloth on an old garment and new wine in old wineskins to illustrate the incompatibility of old and new practices.

4. Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:23-28)
As Jesus and His disciples walk through the grainfields on the Sabbath, the disciples pick heads of grain. The Pharisees question this, citing the Sabbath law. Jesus responds by referencing David eating the consecrated bread, which was lawful only for priests, and states, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27-28). This emphasizes His authority over the Sabbath and the intended purpose of the Sabbath for human benefit. Faith and Works
James 2:14-26 emphasizes the importance of faith accompanied by action, similar to the faith demonstrated by the paralytic's friends.

Forgiveness
Ephesians 1:7 speaks of the redemption and forgiveness we have through Christ's blood, aligning with Jesus' authority to forgive sins.

Jesus' Mission
Luke 19:10 reiterates Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, paralleling His interaction with sinners in Mark 2.

New Covenant
Hebrews 8:6-13 discusses the new covenant established by Jesus, which is superior to the old covenant.

Sabbath Rest
Hebrews 4:9-10 invites believers to enter God's rest, reflecting the true purpose of the Sabbath.Pray for a faith that is active and persistent, seeking Jesus in all circumstances.
Ask for the grace to forgive others as Christ has forgiven us.
Pray for a heart that reaches out to the marginalized and loves unconditionally.
Seek openness to the new work Christ wants to do in our lives.
Pray for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Sabbath as a gift from God.

1. What does the healing of the paralytic reveal about Jesus' power and authority?

2. How does Jesus' response to the Pharisees' criticism over His company inform your understanding of His mission?

3. What do the metaphors of new cloth on an old garment and new wine in old wineskins teach about the incompatibility of Jesus' teachings with old religious customs?

4. How does Jesus assert His authority over the Sabbath, and what does it mean for our understanding of Sabbath observance?

5. How do the actions of the paralytic's friends exemplify faith and perseverance?

6. In calling Levi, a tax collector, to be His disciple, how does Jesus challenge societal norms and expectations?

7. How do Jesus' actions and teachings in Mark 2 challenge your personal religious assumptions?

8. How does the response of the crowd to Jesus' miracles and teachings in Mark 2 inform you about public opinion towards Jesus during His ministry?

9. What is the significance of Jesus' statement, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

10. How can we apply the principles seen in Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees to our current social and religious contexts?

11. How can we demonstrate the faith and determination seen in the friends of the paralytic in our lives today?

12. How does the calling of Levi challenge our notions of worthiness and acceptance?

13. What does the incident of the grain picking on the Sabbath teach about legalism versus the spirit of the law?

14. How can we ensure we are not adhering to old wineskins (old religious traditions) that might hinder the new thing God wants to do in our lives?

15. How does the revelation of Jesus as the 'Lord of the Sabbath' inform our understanding of rest and work?

16. How can the Pharisees' reaction to Jesus' actions serve as a caution against a judgmental and exclusive attitude in our own lives?

17. How does Jesus' interaction with sinners and societal outcasts in this chapter inform your personal ministry and outreach?

18. How should Jesus' explanation of the role of fasting impact our understanding and practice of this spiritual discipline?

19. How does Jesus' bold authority in His teachings and miracles inspire your personal faith journey?

20. In what ways does Mark 2 challenge you to embrace Jesus' transformative teachings in your daily life?