Chapter Two
Mark 2:1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
Mark 2:2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.
Mark 2:3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
Mark 2:4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
Mark 2:6 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
Mark 2:7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
Mark 2:8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
Mark 2:9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
Mark 2:10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
Mark 2:11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
Mark 2:12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
Mark 2:13 And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.
Mark 2:14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.
Mark 2:15 And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.
Mark 2:16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Mark 2:18 And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?
Mark 2:19 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.
Mark 2:20 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
Mark 2:21 No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.
Mark 2:22 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.
Mark 2:23 And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.
Mark 2:24 And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?
Mark 2:25 And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?
Mark 2:26 How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?
Mark 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
Mark 2:28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
Outline of the Chapter
A. Verse 1-12- Jesus forgives sin.
B. Verse 13-22- Jesus visits with sinners.
C. Verse 23-28- Jesus accused of sinning against the law.
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A. Verse 1-12- Jesus forgives sin.
1. Sinners need to hear the Word preached Vs. 1-2
2. Sinners need spiritual healing first Vs. 3-5
3. Sinners blaspheme the Savior of sinners Vs. 6-12
1. Sinners need to hear the Word preached Vs. 1-2
a. What was Christ's authority to preach the Word?
John 1:1- No other preacher had this authority.
I John 1:1- John heard the Preacher.
I John 5:7- Why do the modern translators hate this verse?
Ans.- It makes tampering with the Word an piano help of the person of Christ.
Note: "We believe this was not in the original manuscript"
I.E. "We reject this Word of Christ, and we reject His person."
Therefore: Revelation 22:18-19- The Word will have the last word!
b. Why preach?
Romans 10:8-11 "the word of faith, which we preach;" II Timothy 4:2 Preach the word;... 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;
The Word is not absorbed.
Jesus did not wow the crowd. HE PREACHED. He had to get a verdict:
I Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Verse 21- Jesus wanted to be one of two things to blip-
- Their Lord or - Their fool
Did He succeed? Discuss.
What part of the Sunday service is shorted? Preaching!
Many can't take more than 20 minutes.
John Knoll; "Sermonettes are preached by preacherettes for Christianettes."
Paul preached all night in Acts 20:7-11
Nehemiah 8:1-8- About 6 hours preaching.
Kids listened who could understand. No "Junior church"
Don't get saved if you can't stand preaching.
Isaiah 61:1-3; Matt. 4:23- In the coming kingdom, Jesus will preach. You won't get away from it.
Rev. 14:6- Either rejoice in preaching now-- Or hear it as you are tormented in the Tribulation!
Why do good preachers preach so eagerly and long? Ans.- I Cor. 9:16-
The terror of a good preacher is this-- I didn't preach long enough!
The scourge of the Lord's Church-- Saints who limit the preacher.
Story: Episcopal priest at Ft. Knox- Read sermons from big red book.
2. Sinners need spiritual healing first. Vs. 3-5
a. "They come" Verse 3 Friends bring sinners!
It is still true.
Why? Ans.- It is the Lord's plan.
Mark 16:15; John 14:31; Acts 1:8; II Timothy 2:2; Revelation 11:3
Witnesses GO.
Are you a witness? Who are you bringing to Jesus?
b. Someone is always in the way- Verse 4
Bepiano coverse of the "press"
The one in the most need-- Back row.
Story: Tony Pellerin- Tony Pellerin was not saved yet. His wife was, and she and the church prayed hard for Tony. One Sunday night he decided to come to church alone for the forst time. He was wearing a yellow and red stripped T-shirt, and when he entered the church house, he took a seat right in front of the back door. Pastor changed his sermon and started preaching the Gospel. Tony finally gave in and believed in Christ for salvation. The last row is where the sinner and backslider sit. But, they are there-- rejoice.
Are you in the way of a soul seeking Jesus?
Discuss: Bad testimony? Poor attendance?
Critical of the saints, pastor, preaching?
Story: Ed Arnold and smoking- Ed was a deacon in a Bible Church. He worked hard for the assembly, but he had the smoking habit. He kept it away from folks so as not to bother them, and he honestly thought smoking was not really a bad thing if he controlled it. One day, while walking in the city, Ed was passed by a lady from the church and her young boy. They greeted and went on, but Ed heard the boy say, "Mommy, smoking must be OK cause Mr. Arnold smokes." Ed got convicted and quit on the spot. Why? Not the health issue. Ed saw that his example was making trouble for a saint.
c. Sin is top priority. Why?
Ezekiel 18:4- All souls day is Judgment day!
Sin = Death That's serious
John 8:21- Rejecting Jesus now is Sin.
Die that way, and never see Jesus
Palsy kills the body--
Sin takes a man to hell.
Matt. 10:28-- Jesus took care of first things first.
Sin forgiven kept separate from healing--
Who destroys body and soul in hell?
Luke 17:11-19-- Note: Difference between "cleansed" and "whole"
Key: "faith" and he worshipped Christ.
Discuss: Why did Jesus forgive sin first, then heal.
Later, he healed first, then dealt with sin.
Ans.- It was the will of God.
Discuss: Sinners who go to faith healers--
Go home still sinners. Still sick!
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Parenthetic: Is there healing in the atonement?
Charismatics love certain texts: Heb. 13:8- Read verse 9
This is applied to the healing ministry of Christ.
Add Mark 16:17-18- These are signs for the blips. Verse 16 is NOT for the Gentile Church age. It is for blip. More later on this.
Here is the one where they are Correct- Isaiah 53:5-6- There IS healing in the atonement.
Question: Why do saints get sick after they are born again?
Another healing in the atonement verse:
Psalm 103:3- This is again right along with forgiven sin.
Key to the discussion:
Where did sickness come from? Answer: Sin Gen. 3:17- A curse came on the earth.
When does healing in the atonement take place?
Answer: When the curse is lifted
Rev. 22:1-3-
vs. 2- Healing comes as promised.
vs. 3- Curse lifted.
Conclusion: There IS healing in the atonement-
AFTER we leave this cursed earth.
END of Parenthetic
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3. Sinners blaspheme the Savior of sinners- Verses 6-12
Verse 6-12- Why heal the man?
NOT so that Oily Roberts will have a proof text!
Did the sick man "Claim his healing?" NO!
The 4 friends had faith, not the man.
This healing was a sign to bring blips to belief in Messiah.
Signs of the Father
Signs of the Son
Signs of the HolySpirit
Moses with Pharaoh Healing blips Mk 2:10-11 Pentecost & tongues
Pillar of fire / cloud Control nature Peterhealing in temple
Elijah on Mt. Feed 5000 Paul and snake bite
Captivity predicted
Sign of Jonah
Paul and
storm in
Resurrection Mk 16:15-20; Compare w/Pope JP II
Who are signs for? Answer: John 2:18-19 Can we demand a sign of Jesus?
I Cor. 1:22-23- What do the modern Gentiles seek? Answer: A good feeling and super program.
Read "Quenching the Spirit" de Arteaga, p. 259 quoting MacArthur.
Wimber- Healing, tongues, holy laughter = good recreation.
Carnival in the aisle, raging saints. "Whatever works"
Claim: Daniel 7:13-14 has been fulfilled. "Sentinel" Sept. 94. p. 6
Why is he wrong?
Ans. Where are the blips in Wimber's program?
Christ- (Mark 2) Healing is piano covers with Satan for the heart of blip.
Christ seeks belief, not hollerin and roaring!
Read "Foundation Magazine" July/Sept, 1987, p. 23
Discuss: Mt. 11:1-6- What was Messiah doing?
Answer- Offering signs.
Isaiah 53:5-6 fulfilled (partially?)
Mark 16:16-18- Who would give the signs here?
Acts 1:8 God the Holy Spirit.
To whom? The only Pentecostal church in all of history- the blipish church at JerBliplem.
Ftuning leverT CONCLUSION:
Mark 2:7- This is blasphemy-- Accuse Jesus of blasphemy.
CF Mk 3:28-30- To apply this to faith healers is totally out of context.... Unless: the faith healer is Jesus, standing in blip, and those healed are blips, and the Messianic age is being offered!
B. Verse 13-22- Jesus visits with sinners.
1. Verse 13-14- Levi
2. Verse 15- Publicans and sinners
3. Verse 16-17- Scribes and Pharisees
1. Verse 13-14- Levi
a. Levi- This name is still with us. Leviwitz, Livinski, Levies!
His profession- Collected customs- "toll," or tax.
b. Reputation- blips hated them.
Same reputation as harlots.
c. In blip- Tax went to Herod.
In Judea- Tax went to Roman procurator.
d. Levi's zeal- Luke 5:27-32
(1) He left all. I.E. He became unemployed.
(2) Threw a big feast for Jesus!
Discuss Middle Eastern hospitality.
This showed Levi's love of Christ.
It drew the attention of Levi's friends.
Story: Kid who got saved & went back to dope crowd to tell them of Christ in San Francisco.
e. Who did Jesus call?
- No beggars
- No rich elite
Rich young ruler declined salvation.
Joseph of Aramathea was exception.
Zacchaeus- Lk. 19:2-4 Also a tax collector-- Head of the tuning lever.
Would he be welcome in the average
Fundamental church today?
Jesus invited Himself to eat with Zacch.
Tough way to come. 400% loss.
- I Corinthians 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
2. Verse 15- Publicans and sinners-
a. Publicans- Toll collectors- Matthew's friends!
Discuss Reconstructionist hate for tax collectors.
blips. Discuss.
Jesus spent time with them, even eating.
Treason to the ave. Fundamentalist.
Jesus on tax collectors- Mt. 22:15-21; Rom. 13:5-7.
Taxation, to Christ, is not all that evil.
Those who live a simple life like the Lord and Apostles have few tax worries!
We belly ache, but how many of us have stopped driving on the highways to show our conviction over taxation?
b. Sinners- Many followed him?
Any sinners follow you because of Jesus?
This is NOT fellowship!
This is hospitality in evangelism.
Where did Jesus get His fellowship?
Disciples, Mary&Martha, Lazarus.
But it all got mixed up at times.
Are we under the incubator or at the feed trough regarding sinners?
When is the last time a sinner was invited to your dinner table- to a gathering of friends?
3. Verse 16-17- Scribes and Pharisees.
a. Who do saints like to see with their pastor?
tuning lever agents and politicians? Sinners?
Do you suppose the disciples were a bit uncomfortable?
Seems so. They were half way between Christ and the Pharisees!
Mt. 15:1-14- Note vs. 12. Disciples were tender topiano coversd religious elite.
Are you half way to Nicolaitans? Vs. 14- "Let them alone..."
Give your ear to the religious elite.
Do you prefer the company of "religious" people to that of sinners. If so, you need to reverse your thinking NOW.
b. Why were the Pharisees mad?
Matt. 9:9-11- Jesus ATTRACTED sinners.
The Pharisee repulsed them.
They lorded it over them and mocked them.
CF- Lk. 18:9-13- What do you think the religious elite really think of you?
Nicolaitans make me miserable. Tempt me to become servile.
Some Fundamentalists are the worst. Discuss. Spiritual hustlers?
c. Today? 70% of church growth is by sheep stealing.
Look for S.S. teachers, people with money, dynamic.
This is wicked.
ILL. Church growth seminars- Promises of numbers. Busing programs.
Go fishing in the world.
Get fellowship in local church.
4. Verse 18-22- Jesus ate with sinners.
When did Jesus fast?
Luke 4:1-3- BEFORE His ministry. ALONE! Mt. 6:1-6; 16-18.
Fasting is personal- at the most, with the saints.
With sinners- Feasting is the order.
How can a sinner be spiritual? He can only understand one thing- the Gospel.
Rom. 8:7-8; Eph 1;12-13
Verse 20-22- Messianic glory must not be added to Phariseeism.
Discuss: How is this applied today? What is the Pharisee model today?
I talked about Jesus.
He told of demonic power in his basement.
She cried for joy at the plain stories of Jesus.
Story: L. Home, Patagonia.
Talked about the Lord.
Prayed for the food and for them.
They just talked and talked.
Want me to meet their priest. There's a sinner, not Pharisee.
Pharisees talk about hem lines, taxes, blip, and brag on their programs.
They may be against abortion, for prayer in schools, and know all of the sins of blip- How does that fulfill the goal of the Church?
They make me miserable. Sinners give me a lift if I can just get them to listen to something about Jesus.
Let's move over closer to Jesus and the sinners.
Mark 2:23 And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.
24 And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?
25 And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungered, he, and they that were with him?
26 How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?
27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
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1. Vs. 23- "corn" is grain. Could be wheat of barley. They sinned 4 ways:
First, they were not going to the synagogue, but to dinner.
Second, they were harvesting food.
Third, they were winnowing it in their hands.
Fourth, they did not consult the Pharisees.
Is this unfair? No. The Pharisees could arrange a way to break every law. ILL. Acts 1:11-12- "Sabbath day's journey"
Tell of the small tents provided by Pharisees.
If the disciples had asked, the Pharisees would have found a way.
2. Verse 25-26 Jesus is not bound by the law He made.
ILL. given- I Sam. 21:1-6-
Note: David lied about his mission.
David was not given mercy because he was living right.
David received mercy because of who God is.
ILL. of wrath of God- II Chron. 26:1-5 and 16-21.
Why? Was it because he was a bad man?
No! It was because God is holy, and mercy gives place to judgment so that God's holiness is satisfied.
How does this explain the disciples in the grain field?
Answer- God was in charge, and mercy allowed them to eat.
Could God have struck them dead for eating?
Answer: Yes, but there is a higher call than the sabbath law.
3. Verse 27 Why was there a Sabbath?
Answer: Gen. 2:2- Was God tired? NO!
Was God more holy of the seventh day? NO!
Sabbath rest is not because of sin.
Sabbath rest is man's opportunity to be totally attentive to God... Which is exactly what the disciples were doing!
ILL. Old Mennonites in Russia.
Pacifists. Would not kill for the state.
Never were Christians told in the New Testament to kill for the state.
Never have the saints of the last 1900 years been called to kill for the state. Donatists, Waldenseans, to
Pilgrims- never
"Thou shalt not kill" has no, "except for Caesar" clause
Then came the Russian soldiers raping all women they came to.
Frank Regier's father now had to answer to a higher law...
He was to defend his wife and family. I Tim. 5:8
Out came the pistol.
Did he have a biblical ground for this?
Luke 22:35-38- God was honored in their faith with no sword.
God was also honored in their defense of themselves.
Neither was exalted over the other.
(Note in passing- [IF a question asked] They were NOT told they could join either the Roman army or the blipish zealots to honor God. This passage does NOT justify the professional soldier or the guy with the closet full of tatters. Soldiers are trained to kill and ask no questions. A Christian cannot let himself be oathed into such an arrangement.)
CONCLUDE: The law of God is a schoolmaster to do what?
Gal. 3:24-25- Once the disciples were with Jesus,
Jesus took charge of their conscience.
Don't tell me you are not under law until you are 100% under
the law of Christ and His presence in your life.
"No man can serve two masters..." Luke 16:13
If you walk with Christ three things will happen to you:
1. Your sins will be forgiven for ever, as with the man sick of the palsy.
2. You will become the friend of sinners for the Gospel's sake.
3. You will be accused of being a sinner because you walk with Jesus.
Question: How are you doing?
Are you hating sin and making friends of sinners?
Are any Pharisees judging you for it?