In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.
After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.
The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.
The next morning, Jesus rose before sunrise and departed to a solitary place to pray and prepare for the day which He used to preach the gospel and heal more people in need as He embarked on a missionary journey through the region.
“1 And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house.” (Mark 2:1)
After a few days on the road, Jesus returned to Simon’s house located on the outskirts of Capernaum, a small fishing village on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus left the dwelling a few days earlier when His popularity drew a mob to the house.
“2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them.” (Mark 2:2)
when they heard He had returned to town, countless people once again gathered at Simon’s house where Jesus preached the gospel in a way that was different than the teaching found in synagogues. His type of preaching was more authoritative than the Scribes’ teaching, as Jesus used illustrations and parables his audience could relate to, unlike traditional teaching from Jewish leaders.
“3 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. 4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” (Mark 2:3-5)
Because of the large number of people in Simon’s house, no one else could enter the dwelling. This is the reason why four men endeavored to lower a man from the root of the house so the paralytic could be healed by Jesus. And, when He recognized their faith in His power, Jesus started out by forgiving the man’s sins, which caused a stir among the scribes who heard Him.
“6 And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:6-7)
When they heard Jesus speak with divine authority, the scribes present felt He had transgressed God and allowed their hearts to judge Jesus, and label Him a sinner.
“8 But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk?” (Mark 2:8-9)
However, since He knew their hearts and felt their judgment, Jesus spoke out to them, and questioned each one about their reasoning. Jesus continued His rebuke of the scribes by comparing two phrases that ultimately reach the same end, as the paralytic man was in greater need of forgiveness, a form of spiritual healing than physical healing. Jesus knew the man’s soul was in greater need of His attention, and as such, He poured out His grace and mercy upon the man who was healed both spiritually and physically.
“10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 12 Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” (Mark 2:10-12)
Jesus completed His healing of the paralytic man by commanding him to stand up, take his bed and return to his home. When the man did this, all those who witnessed the miracle were amazed, and each one brought glory to God. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
