Mark 2
Mark 2, Yeshua has returned to Capernaum. A short time later, it is announced that Yeshua is in town and people start to show up at the house. These people more than likely are there for the manifestations of the Spirit. However, there is another group of individuals that are there for a different reason. They are not there for the manifestations of the Spirit, but are trying to put a stop to Yeshua. While in Capernaum, Levi receives the call from Yeshua to follow him. While at dinner, the Scribes and Pharisees will confront Yeshua. Later, Yeshua and the disciples are passing through a field gleaning. Once again, the Pharisees confront Yeshua and accuse His disciples of breaking the law on the Sabbath Day.
Top
Sections:
| Manifestations of the Spirit | Forgiveness of Sins | Kingdom of God |
| Levi of Alphaeus | Challenging His Disciples | Cloth, Wine |
| Sabbath Observance |
Return to Mark
Return to Book of the Bible
Return to Bible Studies
Manifestations of the Spirit
Manifestations of the Spirit
Mark 2:1
1 And again He entered into Capernaum, after days; and it was heard (akouo) that He was in the house.
Yeshua was formerly in Capernaum on the Sabbath Day, Mark 1:21.
21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the Sabbath Day He entered into the synagogue, and taught.
People had heard what happened that day and came upon hearing of Yeshua’s return.
Mark 2:2
2 And immediately (eutheos) many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive, no, not so much as about the door. And He spoke (laleo) the word (logos) to them.
Immediately (formerly straightway) comes from the Greek word εὐθέως eutheos (G2112). It is in the Bible 80 times. εὐθέως eutheos (G2112) is translated immediately 35 times, straightway 32 times, forthwith 7 times and 6 miscellaneous words. It means immediately, at once, shortly. Immediately typically fits the context of the Scripture and should be used.
The people probably came to the house not so much for what He taught, but for what happened in Mark 1:25-26.
25 And Yeshua rebuked him, saying, Hold your peace, and come out of him. 26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.
The people came to both receive and see the manifestations of the Spirit. This will always draw people. You would hope that they would come because of the teachings; however, that is not always the case.
Spoke (formerly preached) comes from the Greek word λαλέω laleo (G2980). It is in the Bible 296 times. λαλέω laleo (G2980) is translated speak 244 times, say 15 times, tell 12 times, talk 11 times, preach 6 times, utter 4 times, 3 miscellaneous words and 1 variant of speak. It means to talk or utter words. Preach means something quite different. Speak, say or a form of these words would be an appropriate rendering of λαλέω laleo (G2980). In Mark 2:2, Yeshua spoke from the Scriptures, logos.
Mark 2:3-4
3 And they come to Him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. 4 And when they could not come nigh to Him for the multitude of people (ochlos), they uncovered the roof where He was. And when they had broken up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
“Multitude of people” (formerly press) comes from the Greek word ὄχλος ochlos (G3793). It is in the Bible 175 times. ὄχλος ochlos (G3793) is translated people 82 times, multitude 79 times, press 5 times, company 7 times, number of people 1 time and number 1 time. It refers to a large number of people. The quantity is not defined. Many times it is an unorganized group of people. The various renderings are not incorrect; however, for consistency it should be translated as “multitude of people”.
There was a group of people that showed up at the house with an individual that had palsy. Palsy refers to one that may be afflicted with paralysis and involuntary tremors. These people are incapacitated and helpless. Because of the number of people, those carrying the individual with palsy could not gain entry into the house. However, they were not going to let this opportunity pass them by. They went on the roof and lowered the individual down near Yeshua. These people had faith that is not often seen today.
Mark 2:5
5 When Yeshua saw their faith, He said to the sick of the palsy, Son, your sins be forgiven you.
Yeshua saw the demonstration of their faith. Because of this, He told them that their sins were forgiven. It was their faith that drew them and it was their faith that caused them to trust that Yeshua was who others said He was.
Forgiveness of Sins
Forgiveness of Sins
Mark 2:6-7
6 But there were certain of the Scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7 Why does this thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only?
These Scribes did not just happen to be there. They were probably among the first to be present. In Mark 1, when Yeshua healed the man in the Synagogue, this was more than likely reported to the local religious authorities. Once this happened, they were on the lookout for Yeshua. When additional miracles were occurring in other cities, this probably resulted in reporting Yeshua’s activities to the religious authorities in Jerusalem. This was no simple matter that was occurring. Yeshua was making an impact that was affecting the people and adversely affecting the influence of the religious authorities.
As such, the Scribes were prepared for the next time Yeshua was in town. They had a measured response to Yeshua’s statement that sins were forgiven. Their goal was to demonstrate that Yeshua was in opposition to God, Himself.
Mark 2:8
8 And immediately when Yeshua perceived in His spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, He said to them, Why reason you these things in your hearts?
Yeshua was aware of what was happening. He knew that this was really not about the forgiveness of sins. It was about control and the ability to self determine in the Spirit. So He asks a question that the Scribes would not answer directly if at all.
Mark 2:9
9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, sins be forgiven you; or to say, Arise, and take up your bed, and walk?
Yeshua’s question to the Scribes was, what is easier to say that you are forgiven or arise and walk? The answer is obvious; however, the Scribes were not foolish enough to answer the question. To answer either way would work in Yeshua’s favor. If the Scribes were seen in opposition to a healing, then they would be exposed for what they were. This would diminish their influence and ultimately the overall structure they stood for.
Mark 2:10-11
10 But that you may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins, He said to the sick of the palsy, 11 I say to you, arise, and take up your bed, and go your way into your house.
Yeshua knew that they would not answer, but those that paid attention took note. Either way, the Scribes were incorrect in what they stated in Mark 2:7B.
7B Who can forgive sins but God only?
However, Yeshua was not going to get into an argument on the legalities of Torah. A debate never truly benefits either side. The Scribes’ statement contradicted the sacrificial system. For example, Leviticus 4:20.
20 And he shall do with the bull as he did with the bull for a sin offering, so shall he do with this. And the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them.
This statement of forgiveness is found in Scriptures at least 10 times. Yeshua knew this and the Scribes knew this as well. Forgiveness of sins is not as complicated as repentance of sins.
As such, Yeshua told the man to arise and walk.
Mark 2:12
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.
In the end, the people were not going to be too concerned with what the Scribes had said. Many of them knew very little of Torah. The Scribes and Pharisees did not teach directly from Scriptures. They often taught the interpretations based on the traditions of the elders or religious class. Unfortunately, not much has changed since then. For the most part, both Jews and Christians teach traditions as opposed to making the Scriptures understandable.
The people would remember that the Scribes could not answer Yeshua. They would also remember that after Yeshua healed the man, he could walk. The people were more concerned with being freed from their physical bondage, then the legalities of the law.
Kingdom of God
Kingdom of God
Mark 2:13
13 And he went forth again by the sea; and all the multitude resorted to Him, and He taught them.
Wherever Yeshua went, the people would quickly show up. At the sea, Yeshua taught them. The question is, what did He teach them? This is not a difficult question. It is consistent throughout the gospels, for example Mark 1:15.
15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel.
This sums up what Yeshua taught during His entire ministry. He taught these three basic things:
- The Kingdom of God is at hand.
- We need to repent.
- We need to believe the gospel, Scriptures.
We see the same in Matthew 4:17.
17 From that time Yeshua began to proclaim (kerysso), and to say, repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
This is what Yeshua told the Apostles to proclaim in Luke 10:9.
9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say to them, The Kingdom of God is come nigh to you.
Just as Yeshua taught this and instructed His Apostles to do, we should be proclaiming the Kingdom of God today in all we say and do.
Levi of Alphaeus
Levi of Alphaeus
Mark 2:14
14 And as He passed by, He saw Levi of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said to him, Follow Me. And he arose and followed Him.
It should be noted that formerly it stated “Levi the son of Alphaeus”. Although it is believed by some that Alphaeus is a person, there is no reason to even assume this. The Strong’s Concordance associates Ἀλφαῖος Alphaios (G0256) with חֶלֶף Cheleph (H2501). It was a place rather than a person. It was located near the southern border of Naphtali in ancient Israel.
This was Levi’s call to follow Yeshua. Levi comes from the Greek word Λευΐς Leuis (G3018). It is in the Bible 3 times and is always translated Levi. The other 2 usages are in Luke 5. In the list of Apostles, the name Levi is not used. However, Alphaeus is found in Matthew, Mark and Luke in the listing of Apostles. For example in Mark 3:16-19.
16 And Simon he surnamed Peter; 17 And James of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, the sons of thunder. 18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, 19 And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him. And they went into a house.
Formerly stated “James the son of Alphaeus”. The obvious question should be, is Levi of Alphaeus in Mark 2:14 the same as James of Alphaeus? When it is understood that Alphaeus is a place rather than a name, there is no reason to assume Levi and James are the same individuals. In a similar account after Yeshua heals a man with palsy in Matthew 9, another is called into the ministry, Matthew 9:9.
9 And as Yeshua passed forth from thence, He saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom. And He said to him, Follow Me. And he arose, and followed Him.
Following this event, Yeshua will go to eat. Neither Matthew 9 nor Mark 2 state in whose house Yeshua goes to eat. In Luke 5, a very similar account to these two chapters, it states in Luke 5:27-29.
27 And after these things He went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom. And He said to him, Follow Me. 28 And he left all, rose up, and followed Him. 29 And Levi made Him a great feast in his own house. And there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.
All this is to say, it is unclear who Levi is. Whether he is Matthew or James is not clear. He may be some other individual altogether. Possibly Matthew and Levi were two separate people that worked together. What is certain, it is not clear. However, this does not affect the overall context of Scriptures. This is a minor point. Whether the accounts in Matthew 9, Mark 2 and Luke 5 are all the same events may not be true. One must be careful not to read into Scriptures. We are to read out of Scriptures. We are to understand what Scriptures are telling us.
Challenging His Disciples
Challenging His Disciples
Mark 2:15
15 And it came to pass, that, as Yeshua sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Yeshua and His disciples. For there were many, and they followed Him.
After calling Levi into the ministry, Yeshua goes to eat. He is with His disciples and plenty of publicans and sinners. The fact that there are sinners means it could be anyone, even me and you.
Others took notice of this. It was just another opportunity for these people to stir things up.
Mark 2:16
16 And when the Scribes and Pharisees saw Him eat with publicans and sinners, they said to His disciples, How is it that He eats and drinks with publicans and sinners?
The Scribes and Pharisees were not going to miss an opportunity to make a derogatory comment about Yeshua. As usual, they were trying to redirect to their advantage. Again, they were prepared and may even have been coached by a higher authority. It is not clear from the text exactly who the Scribes and Pharisees were talking to. More than likely, it was those they believed could be easily persuaded, possibly a weaker disciple. At this point, they were not going to confront Yeshua head on. They tried that earlier and it backfired on them.
But the answer to their question had to do with Ezekiel 34:16.
16 I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up broken and will strengthen that which was sick. But I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.
This is exactly what Yeshua was doing, the very thing the Scribes and Pharisees were supposed to do. However, they may have thought that Ezekiel 34:2-4 was not referring to them.
2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord Yehovah to the shepherds; Woe to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 3 You eat the fat, and you clothe you with the wool, you kill them that are fed. Feed not the flock. 4 The diseased have you not strengthened, neither have you healed that which was sick, neither have you bound up broken, neither have you brought again that which was driven away, neither have you sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have you ruled them.
This was not only written for the Scribes and Pharisees of Yeshua’s time. This has happened in almost every time period of mankind. Even today, many use the gospel as a way of taking advantage of others. It is a serious offense that will not go unanswered in this lifetime and the next to come. We must serve the multitudes. Yeshua tells us this next.
Mark 2:17
17 When Yeshua heard, He said to 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.
The fact is, Yeshua came to call all. However, the righteous of the world, typically will not answer the call. It is not that they are righteous, they think they are righteous. They may appear to be to others; however, righteousness is not always apparent in an unrighteous world. It is not what we appear to be that is important, it is what is seen in the Spirit.
The Scribes and Pharisees were going to eventually realize that they could not get away with these off-handed comments. This will drive them to take a different tactic. Each time they will raise the bar, until they realize there is only one solution to this problem.
Mark 2:18
18 And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast. And they come and say to Him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples fast not?
More than likely, it is the Scribes and Pharisees asking Yeshua this question. There is no law that states how often one is to fast. Fastings were often performed to mourn an event or in times of dire need, as in 1 Samuel 7:6.
6 And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured out before Yehovah, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against Yehovah. And Samuel judged the Children of Israel in Mizpeh.
Although there are several accounts of fasting, with the exception of Yom Kippur, there is no specific commandment stating how often one is to fast. However, that did not stop the Scribes and Pharisees from asking the question. They would use whatever means possible to bring shame to Yeshua and His disciples.
Mark 2:19-20
19 And Yeshua said to 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. 20 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
Most of us know what this means today. However, for the Scribes and Pharisees to argue with Yeshua on this statement, would only cause them problems. He already stated that there will come a time to fast. If they were to argue with Him on this, they would be snared in the details of Yeshua’s statement. This would only cause confusion and most would reject the Scribes and Pharisees’ argument. It would actually make the Scribes and Pharisees look like they were only there to cause problems. The Scribes and Pharisees would have to address this issue another time, when the multitudes were not present.
Cloth, Wine
Cloth, Wine
Mark 2:21-22
21 No man also sews a piece of new (agnaphos) cloth on an old garment. Else the new piece that filled it up takes away from the old, and the rent is made worse. 22 And no man puts new (neos) wine into old bottles. Else the new (neos) wine does burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred. But new (neos) wine must be put into new (kainos) bottles.
This parable is also in Matthew 9:16-17. For the most part, Matthew and Mark are essentially the same, except for a few word variations. This basic parable is also found in Luke 5:36-39. It is essentially the same as Matthew and Mark, until one gets to Luke 5:39, the last verse of the parable. The importance of this parable should not be underemphasized. This provides insight into one of the most important reasons for Yeshua’s ministry.
If one sews a new piece of cloth onto an old garment, when they are washed, the new shrinks and pulls on the old. The old no longer has the ability to stretch to compensate for the shrinkage of the new material. The old represents traditions, while the new is the righteousness of God. The old, traditions, has lost its ability to conform to the righteousness of God. This speaks of one’s ability to change and become more righteous. Traditions impose a burden on the individual that prevents them from being righteous. The only solution is to completely reject the old and get a new garment, the righteousness of God.
For this individual and all of us, the answer is, we must completely purge ourselves of our own traditions and start with His righteousness in a new life experience. We must completely purge ourselves of all vain worship and vain righteousness of men’s traditions. His righteousness and ours of our own making can never be one. It is an abomination to mix these two.
The wine is the Spirit and the bottles are the individuals. If the wine bag is old, it will dry out. It must be renewed in the Spirit. They must experience new birth. Further, oil must be applied to the bag to give it the ability to receive the new wine. Oil comes from continually pursuing the Spirit. The wine is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in power. Once a person is born-again, if they return to traditions the Spirit will not move in an individual that is grown old with traditions. We must be continually renewed in the Spirit or we cannot receive the wine.
The significant difference of the three occurrences of the parable is Luke 5:39.
39 No man also having drunk old straightway desires new (neos). For he says, The old is better.
In many translations, wine is added into Luke 5:39. This in itself can make the verse confusing, since in the prior verse it was referring to new wine. If wine is added to Luke 5:39, it would possibly confuse the reader in that formerly the new wine was better and now the old is better. So which is it? Luke 5:39 is not referring to wine, it referring to something different. In this case, it is referring to the old ways, Torah, as compared to anything that is different. Torah has been with us since the beginning. It is the understanding of Yehovah. New are traditions created from the beginning, but were not there in the beginning. Once an individual starts to be nourished in Torah, no tradition would be better. They would always prefer Torah, because it frees the individual of the burden of man’s traditions.
Sabbath Observance
Sabbath Observance
Mark 2:23-24
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 to Him, Behold, why do they on the Sabbath Day that which is not lawful?
This is just another opportunity for the Pharisees to point out potential error. The Pharisees are hoping to draw Yeshua into a battle of wits. Besides which, there is precedence and several laws for what the disciples are doing. First in Leviticus 18:5.
5 You shall therefore keep My statutes (chuqqah), and My judgments (mishpat). Which if a man do, he shall live in them. I Yehovah.
Not all laws are created equal. We are not to keep the law at the expense of life, unless it violates Yehovah directly by worshiping another god. If the disciples needed food, they were to eat rather than die to keep Torah. The disciples were to live to worship Yehovah.
Additionally, the disciples were not violating the Sabbath by doing work. The disciples were under another law, Leviticus 19:9-10.
9 And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field, neither shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. 10 And you shall not glean your vineyard, neither shall you gather grape of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and stranger. I Yehovah your Redeemer.
The disciples were not harvesting, they were gleaning. It was permissible so that one would be able to worship on the Sabbath Day. It would have been better to be prepared; however, they were not. But Yeshua does not answer the Pharisees with these, He has a better reply. He will do the very thing the Pharisees have done, Proverbs 26:4-5.
4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like to him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Fools are never who they seem to be. A fool must be answered in the way they ask.
In all conversations, one must understand why an individual is asking a question prior to answering. We must understand the individual’s motive, whether good or bad. This is required for all conversations, never assume. If not understood, one will not be able to properly respond to a person. One should never assume that all questions or statements are direct. Or that people always understand their own statements. If one continues to assume direct words, they may become the fool. Even when a person’s motives are pure, they must be understood. If one does not understand, they will discover that they are not answering or responding correctly. This will result in a lack of learning by the other person in the conversation.
Yeshua, through the Spirit, understood why others said what they said and what their true motives were. This is something we can learn to do through the Spirit.
Mark 2:25-26
25 And He said to them, Have you never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungry, 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 showbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?
Instead of arguing the legality of the Torah, Yeshua gave them a precedence that was indisputable. No one was going to argue against King David. That would put them in opposition to the people.
Mark 2:27-28
27 And he said to 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.
Many seem to confuse what is being said here. Sabbath was made for man’s benefit. It is to be a delight in the way it was established. However, Sabbath is not for anyone to desecrate by changing any commandment related to it. Only Yehovah can promulgate commandments. Changing the day or working on the Sabbath is not allowable.
Further, Yeshua is the Lord of the Sabbath. Before you change anything, you better have His approval. However, we are told in Hebrews 13:8.
8 Yeshua Messiah the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
I do not think He is going to approve any changes to what Yehovah set forth from the beginning.
Return to Mark
Return to Book of the Bible
Return to Bible Studies