Mark 2:1-12, Jesus Heals a Paralytic

1 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. [Only Matthew is explicit that Capernaum is Jesus’ new home (which is Matthew’s as well), a busy lakeside town unlike middle of nowhere Nazareth where Jesus had been rejected. A major trade route went through Capernaum, which was also the major fishing town in the area and a strategic location for Jesus’ ministry.] 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. [People came not only for healing but for Jesus’ preaching and teaching as well because he had an authority other rabbis did not.] 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. [These men were anxious and bold for the healing of their friend. Nothing could stop them, not even an unexpected demolition project.] 5 And when Jesus saw their faith [who are they and what role does their faith play?], he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” [Does the paralytic want forgiveness or healing? Is illness/disease/disability related to/caused by sin?] 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” [Are they correct about forgiveness? Yes they are, but they do not want to acknowledge that Jesus is God.] 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? [Which one do you think is easier?] 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” [This is the first time Jesus uses the phrase “Son of Man.” See Daniel 7:13-14. The Son of Man is to be the supreme source of political power on earth after his earthly kingdom is established. All humans will eventually worship and serve him.] 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” [As in Genesis, God’s word is effectual, achieving what is commanded. Who received and who did not and why? Jesus does nothing in the dark but only in the light for all to see so that they can believe.]