This post accompanies my reading of Mark 2 on the Circular Grace YouTube channel.
Remarkable friends!
A fast moving second chapter that reveals to us that people are flocking to Jesus to be healed. Let's remember, people are flocking because they've heard and believe that Jesus is a miracle worker! They are desperate to get close to him and the revelation of the paralysed man being lifted down through the roof because the house is surrounded and impenetrable because of the crowd is testament to the frenzy.
Alongside miraculous healings we witness Jesus challenging the spiritual understanding of Jewish religious leaders. Jesus is calling Sinners to Repent and as we read, has chosen amongst many, the tax collectors and prostitute's. We are familiar with Matthew the tax collector, identified here as Levi. This is the moment Matthew the Apostle becomes a disciple of Jesus Christ. It's important to note he is not alone, his friends, other tax collectors, identified here as publicans are following Jesus too.
Tax collectors are considered amongst the lowest of the low in Jewish society at this time. They are considered sinners for betraying their Jewish brethren by working for the Romans to extort taxes, often using ruthless, corrupt tactics. The Pharisees and Scribes are quick to condemn Jesus for consorting with them. Jesus seized the opportunity to reveal that His mission is to save sinners because the righteous, don't need salvation.
Don't be tempted to understand that Jesus is saying that there are some people who are righteous amongst the sinners He's here to save. Far from it, not even His disciples are righteous before God. Every single, man, woman and child is justly, unrighteous before God. That is the Gospel message! We need a Saviour and Jesus is Our Saviour. God became flesh, the Son of Man to save us all from His righteous judgement. That judgement being that we have all sinned against God. Later in the Gospel, Jesus will share more on this. If you'd like to chat more about the Gospel message generally, feel free to add a comment here. I'm happy for discussion to be on any aspects of scripture.
The chapter ends with a solid declaration by Jesus that He is Lord. Let's take a look at respected commentary for the details. I'll add a few snippets but you'll need to follow the links for a full understanding and clarity on what I've said above.
Enduring Word Commentary
This is a favourite commentary resource for me and I generally start here for the full overview they provide. I liked the explanation and clarity they offered on the extraordinary efforts of the brothers to get through the roof of the house, so Jesus could heal their paralyzed friend. Here's the snippet:
ii. Morgan on they uncovered the roof: “Such a rendering is entirely misleading. The force of the word is that they broke up the roof of the house, tearing up the fabric, in order to lower the man down on his pallet into the presence of Jesus.”
Later on in the commentary, there is a nice discussion on the significance of Jesus forgiving sin when He heals. This chapter is rich in revelation that Jesus is the Messiah, God in the flesh. Here's a snippet:
c. Who can forgive sins but God alone? The scribes used the right kind of logic. They correctly believed that only God could forgive sins, and they are even correct for examining this new teacher. Their error was in refusing to see who Jesus is: God the Son, who has the authority to forgive sins.
For the complete commentary, follow the link:
https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/mark-2/
Blue Letter Commentary
Another commentary resource I tend to go to because it carries a wealth of historical context. On this occasion, I found the history of the relationship between the Jews and the tax collectors very useful. It explains why the Pharisees were so repulsed by Jesus consorting with publicans. Here's the snippet:
(2.) Because the Jews had a particular antipathy to them and their office, as an affront to the liberty of their nation and a badge of their slavery, and therefore put them into an ill name, and thought it scandalous to be seen in their company. Such as these our blessed Lord was pleased to converse with, when he appeared in the likeness of sinful flesh.
For a wealth of information, follow the link:
https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Mar/Mar_002.cfm
Christianity. Com Commentary
This commentary has a really nice explanation of the nature of the Sabbath. Here's the snippet:
The sabbath is a sacred and Divine institution; a privilege and benefit, not a task and drudgery. God never designed it to be a burden to us, therefore we must not make it so to ourselves. The sabbath was instituted for the good of mankind, as living in society, having many wants and troubles, preparing for a state of happiness or misery. Man was not made for the sabbath, as if his keeping it could be of service to God, nor was he commanded to keep it outward observances to his real hurt. Every observance respecting it, is to be interpreted by the rule of mercy.
At Christian.Com they focus on what to take away in terms of spiritual growth. It's the kind of commentary that helps us translate the Word of God into behaviour we should adopt. Basically showing us how we can be more Christlike. Or put another way, how to pick up our cross and walk with Christ. For a full read, follow the link:
https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary/matthew-henry-concise/mark/2
I hope you enjoy the commentaries! Any questions, comments or thoughts to add to our understanding, please share 🙂
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