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Gospel of Mark
Mark 2
By the start of chapter 2, Jesus has already amazed the crowds (1:27), gathered his first disciples (1:16-20), healed many people (1:34), preached in many synagogues (1:39), and been forced into secluded places for some rest because “the news about him spread quickly” (1:28). Things move quickly in this book!
We learn something important about Jesus in every event, conversation, and interaction of chapter 2. For example, we learn that Jesus cares about both souls and bodies (verses 1-12). We learn that Jesus invites even the most unlikely people to be his closest friends and followers (verses 13-17). We learn that Jesus uses simple images and ideas to teach important spiritual truths (verses 18-22). And we learn that Jesus was very knowledgable about the ancient Hebrew Scripture (what we now call the Old Testament) and God’s design for how humanity was intended to live and function in the world (verses 23-28).
By the end of chapter 2, Mark has shown us so many different things about Jesus. While each story and episode can be read on its own, it’s important to read the book as a complete unit so that we don’t miss the big-picture themes and the fast moving details that connect it all together.
READ & REFLECT
Mark 2
verses 1-12 (Jesus heals soul & body)
- Why do you think Jesus forgave the man (healed his soul) before healing his body?
- How do you think the man felt when Jesus first forgave him rather than healing him? If you were in a similar situation, what would your reaction be?
verses 18-22 (old & new)
- What are some old ideas you've had or have about yourself? the world? God? Jesus? faith? real life?
- What are some new truths you’re learning about yourself? the world? God? Jesus? faith? real life?
General Reflection:
- What do you learn about Jesus from this passage?
- What do you learn about following Jesus from this passage?
Extra Info
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- Some scholars believe that Jesus had a home or place he regularly stayed in Capernaum, and that verses 1-12 took place in that home.
- Tax collectors were Jewish men, hired by the occupying Roman government, to collect money from their friends, neighbors, and family. Essentially, they worked for the enemy.
- Pharisees had been in existence for about 200 years before the time of Jesus. They were dedicated to faithfully keeping all the Jewish laws and traditions so that their religion and culture weren’t weakened or compromised.
Old Testament References
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2103 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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