Audience of the Gospel of Mark
Mark’s Gospel continues speaking to Roman Gentile believers. Jesus heals a paralytic in Mark 2, demonstrating His divine authority. These readers valued action, evidence, and bold leadership. This account isn’t just about healing—it’s about Jesus demonstrating His divine authority to forgive sins, a claim that would’ve shocked Jewish leaders and amazed Gentile observers.
Key Focus of the Passage
Then this is a pivotal moment. Jesus is not only healing physical disease—He’s revealing His power to heal the root issue: sin. The paralytic man, helpless and carried by faith-filled friends, is given what he didn’t even ask for first: forgiveness. Then comes the physical healing, proving Jesus’ authority.
Scripture: Mark 2:1–12 (NASB)
When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was heard that He was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer space, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them. And some people came, bringing to Him a man who was paralyzed, carried by four men. And when they were unable to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and after digging an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralyzed man was lying. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” But some of the scribes were sitting there and thinking it over in their hearts, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins except God alone?” Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were thinking that way within themselves, said to them, “Why are you thinking about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” He said to the paralyzed man, “I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet, and go home.” And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
People Jesus Interacted With
Jesus addresses several groups:
- The paralyzed man lying helplessly before Him.
- The four friends whose radical faith brought their friend to Jesus.
- The scribes silently judging Him.
- The crowd, observing everything unfold.
What Happened?
Jesus is teaching inside a packed house. These four friends go beyond obstacles—literally tearing through the roof—to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus. What does Jesus do? First, He forgives the man’s sins. Then, knowing the skepticism in the scribes’ hearts, He heals the man’s body as evidence of His divine authority.
Mood of the Moment
The mood is charged: desperate faith meets divine power. There’s tension (from the religious leaders), awe (from the crowd), and love (from the friends). Above all, there’s a surge of unmistakable hope as Jesus meets both spiritual and physical needs.
What Jesus Said
- To the paralyzed man: “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
- To the scribes: “Why are you thinking these things?” and “Which is easier…?”
- To prove His authority: “Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”
Response of the Others
- The scribes were offended and accused Jesus of blasphemy.
- The friends were determined, faithful, and persistent.
- The crowd was amazed and glorified God.
- The paralyzed man obeyed immediately—he got up, walked, and witnessed to everyone watching.
Lesson for Us in 2025
- Persistent Faith Changes Lives: Don’t stop at closed doors. Tear through roofs if necessary. Faith makes a way.
- Forgiveness Comes First: Jesus goes to the root before the symptom. Let Him deal with your heart before you ask for the external fix.
- Jesus Has Final Authority: Whether spiritual or physical, emotional or relational—Jesus has the last word.
Don’t just be amazed by what Jesus can do for others—come to Him boldly, and bring someone with you.
Next: Jesus calls Levi the tax collector and responds to the self-righteous in Mark 2:13–17. It’s not the healthy who need a doctor… it’s the sick.
