The Lame February 19
Mark 2:1 And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in 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. 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.
After some days in the wilderness, Jesus goes to Capernaum. Immediately, a large crowd besieges the house. And Jesus preaches to them. This is the reason He has come to this place and time.
But His healing power is sought, as well. Four men carry a paralytic to Jesus to be healed. Unable to get past the crowd at the door, they carry the man to the roof, make a hole by removing a segment of thatch, and lower him down to Jesus.
The paralytic has a loss of sensation and control of muscles to a part or to all of the body. Palsy (KJV), feebleness, or an inability to move some or any limbs, might help to describe the condition. This disease can be fatal quickly or slowly.
Figuratively, paralysis is an inability to move forward in life, to walk confidently.
Spiritually, paralysis is an inability to move toward God or to be open to receiving Him. Possible reasons are the person’s guilt for their sins, or for their belief that God is absent, not available to them.
Both are a misunderstanding of the character of God.
Sins Forgiven February 20
Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
Jesus pronounces with authority, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
This statement from a human being is pure heresy. No one but God has the power to make such a statement. We can forgive others for their sins against ourselves, but our forgiveness for deeds against others has no effect beyond ourselves.
We do not know if the man is physically able to walk as a result of this pronouncement. He is still on the bed upon which his friends bore him.
And we do not know his reaction. He has received a blessing, but not the one for which he was carried by his friends.
Jesus has called him, “son.” Instead of being shunned by the stranger because of the lameness, Jesus adopts him as His own.
Perhaps this pronouncement that the burden of his sins has been released is what he sought all along! The current teaching of the Pharisees is that disease is a punishment from God for sin. If he is forgiven of his sins, then will he not be healed?
The lame man does not move. His mind feels as paralyzed by events as his muscles. He is not yet mobile. Jesus must perform one more act of mercy.
Jesus’ provocative statement is met with stunned silence, unspoken outrage flowing through those trained in the religion of the day.
Jesus has staked His position. And now He will show His authority for this absolution.
Physical healing is not the reason for Christ’s arrival. Spiritual healing does fit very well, however, with His message that the Kingdom of God is here. If physical healing will affirm the spiritual truth, then let it be so.
Blasphemy February 21
Mark 2:6 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?”
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’?
The scribes do not have large crowds following them, hanging on their words. And here is a working man, with no formal degree, speaking blasphemy in front of an adoring crowd.
From the scribes’ perspective, Jesus is undermining the agreed consensus on God, sin, and disease. The evidence of the established belief system is clear, and this ignorant man from Galilee thinks He knows better!
The scribes are offended and envious, enveloped in jealousy. Unclean spirits swirl around them, dancing in their dark thoughts.
Jesus does not have to hear them speak to know the coldness of their hearts, that they prefer the darkness of winter. His light is for the paralytic as He further heals his lameness. The scribes will accept or reject the light, but that is their decision.
The paralytic has come in faith for physical healing, but Jesus has given the man a greater gift. He has removed the sin barrier that the man thought separated him from God. Now Jesus will show him that God is present, an active force in the now.
Arise and Walk! February 22
Mark 2:10 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!”
Jesus speaks with authority, and reality conforms to His words.
Jesus answers the unspoken charges of the scribes. He shows by a physical miracle that His authority is from a higher power.
As the lame man rises and goes out of the house, now able to assume his walk in life, the crowd is amazed. The credibility of Jesus among the people is enhanced, as are their perceptions of His divinity and compassion.
The spiritual power of forgiveness of sins is not outwardly visible. It is a divine power, but also a human power. Forgiveness to those who have sinned against us is commanded of us, as later in Mark (Mark 11:25-26), and in Matthew’s parable of the unforgiving servant (Matt. 18:21-35).
Jesus has shown God is with us through the simple act of forgiveness, and that forgiveness has healing power.
The scribes’ reaction is not recorded, but we know they are even more offended. The truth of their belief system is so strong that even the evidence presented before their eyes is insufficient.
Our belief system today is as fragmented as it was in Jesus’ day. Each of us believes a host of things that do not fit the paradigm of a world created by a loving God, and these beliefs keep us fractured, unable to be whole.
Calling Levi February 23
Mark 2:13 Then He went out again by the sea; and all the multitude came to Him, and He taught them. 14 As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.
Jesus is walking by the Sea of Galilee. He is walking in a place familiar to His fishermen disciples. And the small group within a large crowd pauses every now and again and Jesus speaks to them all.
The group listens to Jesus as they pause near to someone who is familiar to the fishermen – the tax collector. Jesus speaks in Levi’s hearing for a purpose.
Levi, the son of Alphaeus, is sitting at the tax gatherer’s place of business. Positioned by the sea, his target is clearly the fishermen.
Some tax collectors are appointed based on the tax revenue they can raise from a specific area. Any money raised above this amount is their wages. Too little tax revenue and they are replaced. If they collect so much revenue that the people rebel and there is the expense of using troops, then they are replaced.
Other tax collectors are employees of the Empire, merely collecting a percentage of the citizens' labor, as in a tax on the fish caught. Everything and everyone has a cost to pay.
Running an empire is a serious business with a demand for higher and higher profit!
The tax collector has few friends. But this one has heard, and has listened, to Jesus.
Jesus has a crowd following Him. Levi is very aware of Jesus, but he is also aware of his own identity.
Jesus has a crowd desiring to follow Him. Levi has a crowd anxious to avoid him. He waits for Jesus to take His followers away, listening closely to see what he can hear before they leave him alone in the usual business crowd.
A miracle happens! Jesus calls to Levi, “Follow Me.”
Calling Matthew February 24
Mark 2:13 Then He went out again by the sea; and all the multitude came to Him, and He taught them. 14 As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.
Jesus calls to Levi, “Follow Me.”
That a tax collector would follow Jesus seems unlikely at first. Perhaps the experiences of his job have made the teachings of Jesus – forgiveness, peace, and unity, for example – more appealing than they might otherwise. And the tax collector rises and follows.
The tax collector follows Jesus. There seems something wrong with the equation. Levi is a tax collector and is also now the follower of Jesus.
As a tax collector, Levi’s character is questionable. He is working for the occupying force, Rome, extracting money from his own people for their oppressors. This is not his identity from God but from man.
A spiritual rebirth calls for a new name, a new identity, a new character.
The next time we hear of Levi, he has a new name (Mark 3:18). He becomes known as Matthew, gift of God, rather than Levi, tax collector. He is not changing his name like a new set of clothes (although his apparel probably changed, also), but he is aligning his name with his new character.
Like the four fishermen, Levi arises and leaves all to follow Jesus. A disciple on the road with Jesus can take little with him other than the clothes on his back.
Levi/Matthew knows the rate of exchange, and he accepts it.
Eating with Publicans February 25
Mark 2:15 Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. 16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”
“Publican” is the KJV word for tax collector. According to Strong’s, the Greek uses a two word phrase that means “tax farmer.” That is an interesting perspective on a much maligned occupation.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke use the phrase “tax collectors (or publicans) and sinners” concerning the crowd joining Jesus as Matthew’s guests. Matthew’s Gospel also later links them with harlots (Matt. 21:31-32).
The Pharisees and scribes have not seen these people (read “these sinners”) at the Temple or synagogues. Indeed, they have never really seen them as people but have seen them as “not us.”
But now they see these people who are outside the walls of their religion as being with Jesus. This is more evidence in their eyes of Jesus’ unrighteousness. The very idea of eating and drinking with sinners!
It is true that people weak in their moral convictions must be careful in their associations with people who are outside the normal moral boundaries. People of moral strength have an opportunity to lift others up, however. To do this requires a degree of interaction to gain mutual familiarity and trust.
Jesus inspires us to be our better selves. Where else is His work to be done but with sinners?
Next day
Mark 2:1 And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in 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. 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.
After some days in the wilderness, Jesus goes to Capernaum. Immediately, a large crowd besieges the house. And Jesus preaches to them. This is the reason He has come to this place and time.
But His healing power is sought, as well. Four men carry a paralytic to Jesus to be healed. Unable to get past the crowd at the door, they carry the man to the roof, make a hole by removing a segment of thatch, and lower him down to Jesus.
The paralytic has a loss of sensation and control of muscles to a part or to all of the body. Palsy (KJV), feebleness, or an inability to move some or any limbs, might help to describe the condition. This disease can be fatal quickly or slowly.
Figuratively, paralysis is an inability to move forward in life, to walk confidently.
Spiritually, paralysis is an inability to move toward God or to be open to receiving Him. Possible reasons are the person’s guilt for their sins, or for their belief that God is absent, not available to them.
Both are a misunderstanding of the character of God.
Sins Forgiven February 20
Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
Jesus pronounces with authority, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
This statement from a human being is pure heresy. No one but God has the power to make such a statement. We can forgive others for their sins against ourselves, but our forgiveness for deeds against others has no effect beyond ourselves.
We do not know if the man is physically able to walk as a result of this pronouncement. He is still on the bed upon which his friends bore him.
And we do not know his reaction. He has received a blessing, but not the one for which he was carried by his friends.
Jesus has called him, “son.” Instead of being shunned by the stranger because of the lameness, Jesus adopts him as His own.
Perhaps this pronouncement that the burden of his sins has been released is what he sought all along! The current teaching of the Pharisees is that disease is a punishment from God for sin. If he is forgiven of his sins, then will he not be healed?
The lame man does not move. His mind feels as paralyzed by events as his muscles. He is not yet mobile. Jesus must perform one more act of mercy.
Jesus’ provocative statement is met with stunned silence, unspoken outrage flowing through those trained in the religion of the day.
Jesus has staked His position. And now He will show His authority for this absolution.
Physical healing is not the reason for Christ’s arrival. Spiritual healing does fit very well, however, with His message that the Kingdom of God is here. If physical healing will affirm the spiritual truth, then let it be so.
Blasphemy February 21
Mark 2:6 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?”
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’?
The scribes do not have large crowds following them, hanging on their words. And here is a working man, with no formal degree, speaking blasphemy in front of an adoring crowd.
From the scribes’ perspective, Jesus is undermining the agreed consensus on God, sin, and disease. The evidence of the established belief system is clear, and this ignorant man from Galilee thinks He knows better!
The scribes are offended and envious, enveloped in jealousy. Unclean spirits swirl around them, dancing in their dark thoughts.
Jesus does not have to hear them speak to know the coldness of their hearts, that they prefer the darkness of winter. His light is for the paralytic as He further heals his lameness. The scribes will accept or reject the light, but that is their decision.
The paralytic has come in faith for physical healing, but Jesus has given the man a greater gift. He has removed the sin barrier that the man thought separated him from God. Now Jesus will show him that God is present, an active force in the now.
Arise and Walk! February 22
Mark 2:10 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!”
Jesus speaks with authority, and reality conforms to His words.
Jesus answers the unspoken charges of the scribes. He shows by a physical miracle that His authority is from a higher power.
As the lame man rises and goes out of the house, now able to assume his walk in life, the crowd is amazed. The credibility of Jesus among the people is enhanced, as are their perceptions of His divinity and compassion.
The spiritual power of forgiveness of sins is not outwardly visible. It is a divine power, but also a human power. Forgiveness to those who have sinned against us is commanded of us, as later in Mark (Mark 11:25-26), and in Matthew’s parable of the unforgiving servant (Matt. 18:21-35).
Jesus has shown God is with us through the simple act of forgiveness, and that forgiveness has healing power.
The scribes’ reaction is not recorded, but we know they are even more offended. The truth of their belief system is so strong that even the evidence presented before their eyes is insufficient.
Our belief system today is as fragmented as it was in Jesus’ day. Each of us believes a host of things that do not fit the paradigm of a world created by a loving God, and these beliefs keep us fractured, unable to be whole.
Calling Levi February 23
Mark 2:13 Then He went out again by the sea; and all the multitude came to Him, and He taught them. 14 As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.
Jesus is walking by the Sea of Galilee. He is walking in a place familiar to His fishermen disciples. And the small group within a large crowd pauses every now and again and Jesus speaks to them all.
The group listens to Jesus as they pause near to someone who is familiar to the fishermen – the tax collector. Jesus speaks in Levi’s hearing for a purpose.
Levi, the son of Alphaeus, is sitting at the tax gatherer’s place of business. Positioned by the sea, his target is clearly the fishermen.
Some tax collectors are appointed based on the tax revenue they can raise from a specific area. Any money raised above this amount is their wages. Too little tax revenue and they are replaced. If they collect so much revenue that the people rebel and there is the expense of using troops, then they are replaced.
Other tax collectors are employees of the Empire, merely collecting a percentage of the citizens' labor, as in a tax on the fish caught. Everything and everyone has a cost to pay.
Running an empire is a serious business with a demand for higher and higher profit!
The tax collector has few friends. But this one has heard, and has listened, to Jesus.
Jesus has a crowd following Him. Levi is very aware of Jesus, but he is also aware of his own identity.
Jesus has a crowd desiring to follow Him. Levi has a crowd anxious to avoid him. He waits for Jesus to take His followers away, listening closely to see what he can hear before they leave him alone in the usual business crowd.
A miracle happens! Jesus calls to Levi, “Follow Me.”
Calling Matthew February 24
Mark 2:13 Then He went out again by the sea; and all the multitude came to Him, and He taught them. 14 As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.
Jesus calls to Levi, “Follow Me.”
That a tax collector would follow Jesus seems unlikely at first. Perhaps the experiences of his job have made the teachings of Jesus – forgiveness, peace, and unity, for example – more appealing than they might otherwise. And the tax collector rises and follows.
The tax collector follows Jesus. There seems something wrong with the equation. Levi is a tax collector and is also now the follower of Jesus.
As a tax collector, Levi’s character is questionable. He is working for the occupying force, Rome, extracting money from his own people for their oppressors. This is not his identity from God but from man.
A spiritual rebirth calls for a new name, a new identity, a new character.
The next time we hear of Levi, he has a new name (Mark 3:18). He becomes known as Matthew, gift of God, rather than Levi, tax collector. He is not changing his name like a new set of clothes (although his apparel probably changed, also), but he is aligning his name with his new character.
Like the four fishermen, Levi arises and leaves all to follow Jesus. A disciple on the road with Jesus can take little with him other than the clothes on his back.
Levi/Matthew knows the rate of exchange, and he accepts it.
Eating with Publicans February 25
Mark 2:15 Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. 16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”
“Publican” is the KJV word for tax collector. According to Strong’s, the Greek uses a two word phrase that means “tax farmer.” That is an interesting perspective on a much maligned occupation.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke use the phrase “tax collectors (or publicans) and sinners” concerning the crowd joining Jesus as Matthew’s guests. Matthew’s Gospel also later links them with harlots (Matt. 21:31-32).
The Pharisees and scribes have not seen these people (read “these sinners”) at the Temple or synagogues. Indeed, they have never really seen them as people but have seen them as “not us.”
But now they see these people who are outside the walls of their religion as being with Jesus. This is more evidence in their eyes of Jesus’ unrighteousness. The very idea of eating and drinking with sinners!
It is true that people weak in their moral convictions must be careful in their associations with people who are outside the normal moral boundaries. People of moral strength have an opportunity to lift others up, however. To do this requires a degree of interaction to gain mutual familiarity and trust.
Jesus inspires us to be our better selves. Where else is His work to be done but with sinners?
Next day
