Mark Chapter Two (1-12)

1, Hearing the news about where Jesus could be found. Does our community hear the word where Christ can be found?

2-4, conquering obstacles in the way. Are we willing to conquer the obstacles hindering us from coming to Christ?

5, Can Jesus see our faith in action? Does His word hold authority?

6-7, Opposition from educated Religious leaders. Are we willing to address the opposition when it immediately comes after our salvation? (i.e. family, friends, co-workers, religious leaders, neighbors, etc)

8, Miraculous insight revealing the source error of their reasoning. The first miracle they neglected was the fact that Christ was able to read their minds. Isn’t that a pretty good sign you’re speaking to someone who either comes from God or is God? These Scribes were no “dummies,” they were well versed in the law. They were correct in knowing that only God can forgive sins, but they were blind to knowing that Jesus was God.

• “Reasoning” (in this context) = Greek: “dialogizomai” (i.e. “going back-and-forth with each other evaluating in a way leading to a confusing conclusion. The term implies one confused mind interacting with other confused minds, each further reinforcing the original confusion.”)

9, Takes God for both to take place, does it not? Certainly! The Scribes refused to understand who Jesus was, if no man can do the things Jesus was doing then it must mean this man is from Divine origin.

10-11, Jesus proves His deity, and pretty much tells them “you are correct, no man can forgive sins but God, and here’s how I prove to you that I am God because you said it yourselves that no man can do these things but God.”

• The man may have spent his life living down on the ground, always relying on the benevolence of others for his mobility. And now he’s told to start living an upward life, is that not amazing and hopeful? Certainly!

• The man is commanded to pick up his pallet/bed as a reminder of the ground he once lived in (i.e. “don’t forget what I saved you from”). He is also told to go home. When’s the last time he could go home with his own two legs (let alone anywhere) without the help of someone else? Important perspective, right? Without the forgiving power of God, we’re never going to walk anywhere productive.

12, the word of God healed this man, spiritually and physically. And who received the glory? God. God received the glory. God must always receive the glory.

• Sins were forgiven first before he was allowed to work for God. If you want to work for God you need to become a Christian first. And here’s the simple invitation,

“repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” - Acts 2:38

Want to know more? Contact us for studies.