Mark 2
In Mark, Chapter 2, we learn that some of the old rituals and laws in the old testament that were meant to prepare the way for the lord, are no longer needed; as the Lord has arrived through Jesus.
Chapter two begins with the story of the healing of the paralyzed man. Jesus has returned to Capernaum, and again is surrounded by a large crowd. Four men attempt to carry a paralyzed man to Jesus, but because of the crowd, are unable to get to him and have to find another way. They end up digging a hole through the roof and lowering the man down. Jesus recognizes their faith, and states “Son, you are forgiven”.
Some of the teachers of the time, were thinking to themselves that Jesus has just committed blasphemy by claiming to have forgiven someone of their sins, when only God can do such a thing. Jesus hears their thoughts and responds to them, letting them know, that the Son of Man has authority on Earth to forgive sins. Jesus then tells the man to get up, take his mat, and go home. The once paralyzed man was healed and did just that. He walked in view of the crowd and everyone praised God.
This next section, is important….pay attention!
Jesus, while walking along a lake, comes upon Levi, sitting in a tax collectors booth. Jesus said “follow me” and without hesitation Levi follows.
Jesus and his disciples eat dinner with Levi, sinners, and tax collectors.
When questioned about why he is eating with the sinners and tax collectors, Jesus responds “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to the call the righteous, but the sinners.”
We can sometimes get wrapped up in our image, who we associate with, the appearance of who we are because of those around us. We also tend to shy away from those who we see as “perpetual sinners” because “it’s not Christian to live like that”. While true, it is NOT the lifestyle God wants us to lead, he does want us to pay attention to those sinners. You can sit with sinners, without sinning yourself. The righteous do not need to hear our testimonies – but there are many, many, people who do.
The final story from Mark, Chapter 2, is the picking of the grain on Sabbath. Jesus and his disciples, on Sabbath, are walking through a field of grain. As they are walking, his disciples are picking heads of grain. The Pharisees question why his disciples would commit an act that is clearly unlawful on the Sabbath. Jesus replies by asking them if they have never read the story of David when his companions were hungry and in need? David, entered the house of God, and ate the consecrated (blessed) bread that was only lawful for priests to eat. He then shared the bread with his companions. Jesus then goes on to say “The Sabbath was made for man, not Man for the Sabbath.” Meaning the Sabbath was intended to be a benefit, not a burden for man. The Sabbath is a time mean for Man to rest and reset from the troubles and anxieties of the world. It is not meant to oppose welfare, and should not become a barrier to those who are sick and poor.
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