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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE GOSPEL OF MARK

CHAPTER TWO:
A PARALYTIC HEALED, A TAXMAN CALLED,
AND PHARISEES

[“Calling Sinners”]
Key word: Authority

Mark 2:1-12 – Jesus Preaching and Healing at Home

|| Matthew 9:1-8; 32 Luke 5:17-26

32	Matthew 9:1-8: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

MK2:1 Some days later Jesus entered into Capernaum again and soon everyone realized that he was at his own residence. 33

33	At his own residence: Or, in the house, at home; PME: he was in somebody’s house.

MK2:2 Soon many began to gather so that there was no room to even welcome others because the door was completely blocked. Jesus began to preach the word to them. MK2:3 And then four men carried a paralyzed man trying to approach Jesus. MK2:4 However, when they could not get near to the house because of the crowd they removed part of the roof of his house. After they had made an opening they began to lower the stretcher on which the paralytic lay. MK2:5 Now when Jesus saw their deep conviction, he said to the paralytic: “Child, your sins are forgiven!” MK2:6 But, present in the audience were certain Bible Copyists and they began to reason in their hearts: MK2:7 “Why does this man speak blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but the God alone?” 34

34	Who can forgive sins but the God alone: Some misunderstand this to mean Jesus was in fact God. However, compare the other accounts and see the Nazarene’s answer to this.

MK2:8 Instantly Jesus was aware in his spiritual perception that they were thinking this way. He then asked them: “Why do you reason this way in your hearts? MK2:9 Which is easier to say to this paralytic? ‘Your sins are forgiven?’ Or, ‘Get up, take your stretcher, and walk!’ MK2:10 However, so that you may be aware the Son of Humankind 35 [Daniel 7:13] has been given authority on earth to forgive sins… (turning to the paralytic he said…)

35	Son of Humankind: Jesus borrows from Daniel 7:13. In Mark Jesus uses the designation over a dozen times.

MK2:11 I tell you, [Child], Get up, take your stretcher, and return to your home.” MK2:12 Instantly, the paralytic bounced to his feet, and taking his stretcher he walked away in view of them all. The whole crowd was awe-struck and began to glorify the God, saying: “We have never seen anything like this!”

Mark 2:13-17 – Accused of Associating With Sinners

|| Matthew 9:9; 36 Luke 5:27, 28

36	Matthew 9:9: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

MK2:13 Now Jesus went outside and again walked along the Sea [of Galilee]. A large crowd followed him and he continued to teach them. MK2:14 As he was walking along he passed by and saw a certain Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at his tax table. Jesus said to him: “Come follow me!” Instantly Levi rose and followed Jesus. MK2:15 Then it happened that as Jesus was having a meal in Levi’s house, many other tax-collectors and ‘sinners’ also sat together with Jesus and his disciples because there were now many that followed him. MK2:16 But, when the Bible Copyists and the Pharisees observed Jesus eating with these tax-collectors and ‘sinners’ they said to Jesus’ disciples: “How come he eats and drinks with tax-collectors and ‘sinners’?” MK2:17 When Jesus heard this, he said to them: “Those who are well have no need of a doctor, rather the sick do. I came not to call the ‘righteous’ to repentance but rather ‘sinners’.”

Mark 2:18-22 – The Question on Fasting

|| Matthew 9:14-17; 37 Luke 5:33-39

37	Matthew 9:14-17: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

MK2:18 Now the disciples of John [the Baptist] as well as the Pharisees practiced fasting, 38 and so they approached Jesus and asked him: “Why do John’s disciples and the Pharisees fast but your disciples do not fast?”

38	Fasting: See notes on Matthew 6:16-18.

MK2:19 So, Jesus said to them: “Do the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them [at the wedding feast]? As long as the bridegroom is among them there can be no fasting. MK2:20 However, the time will come when the Bridegroom will be taken away. Then [my disciples] will fast in that day. MK2:21 No one sews a new piece of cloth on an old garment, 39 because the new cloth will tear away [when it shrinks]. Then the tear becomes even worse!

39	New piece of cloth on an old garment: The “new” cloth was the teachings of Jesus and the New Covenant. The “old garment” was the Mosaic Law and the Jewish rituals.

MK2:22 Also, no one puts new wine into an old wine-skin, 40 because the new wine will expand and burst the old wine-skin. Then, not only is the wine spilled and wasted, but also the old wine-skin is ruined. No, but new wine must be put into new wine-skins.”

40	New wine into an old wine-skin: The “new wine” is the Church of Christ with its “new teaching.” The “old wine-skin” was the Jewish religious system. Christ did not try to remold the Jewish institution, but formed what Paul would call a “New Creation.”

Mark 2:23-28 – A Charge of Breaking the Sabbath

|| Matthew 12:1-8; 41 Luke 6:1-5

41	Matthew 12:1-8: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

MK2:23 Now it came to pass that on the Sabbath day Jesus was going through a wheat field, 42 and as his disciples made their way they began gathering grains [to eat].

42	Wheat field: Or, corn field.

MK2:24 So the Pharisees told Jesus: “Look, why do your disciples do what is forbidden on the Sabbath?” MK2:25 Then Jesus said to them: “Did you never read what David did when he was in need and hungry. Not only him, but also all those who were with him? MK2:26 How he entered into the God’s House – during the days of Abiathar the high priest – and actually ate the Showbread – something against the Law except for the priests [Leviticus 24:9] – and also gave some to those with him?” [1 Samuel 21:2-7] MK2:27 Jesus also said to them: “The Sabbath was made for humans, and not humans for the Sabbath. MK2:28 Also, the Son of Humankind [Daniel 7:13] is Lord of the Sabbath.”

Review Questions on Chapter Two