Chapter Summary

Healing of the palsied man. Call of Matthew. Parable of the cloth and bottles. Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath.

Discussion Questions for Mark, Chapter 2

1. Why do you think Jesus forgave the man's sins based off of the faith of "their" (verse 5, CSB) faith? Does Jesus' forgiveness still operate this way? Who in your life needs to be carried to the Gospel like the paralytic?
2. These men were so desperate for their friend to see Jesus that they were willing to destroy someone else's property (and presumably fix it later) to make it happen. What is preventing you from having a similar outlook to evangelism? What excuses have you used in the past?
3. Some non believers claim that Jesus never explicitly claimed that he was God. How does verses 7-12 show the deity of Jesus Christ? What other verses can you use to show that Jesus is God?
4. Notice that in verse 12, "they were all astounded and gave glory to God" (CSB) even the scribes who were questioning him earlier. Have you ever seen a skeptic's heart be changed? What caused that? Who are some skeptics in your life? What would change their hearts?
5. Why was Jesus' willingness to eat with tax collectors and sinners shocking? Who would Jesus be eating with if he did this today?
6. How can you mirror Jesus' actions in verses 13-17 in your life? Who are some specific people you can pray for as you do this?
7. Does Jesus' rejection of fasting in verse 18-22 mean that modern Christians shouldn't fast? Using Scripture to make your case, why or why not?
8. What are the physical benefits of fasting? What about the Spiritual benefits? How can you begin to implement this spiritual discipline in you life this week?
9. What story does Jesus reference in verses 25 and 26? Where is this story found? What connections can you make between that story and this story in Mark?
10. What does Jesus mean by "The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath" (CSB)? What was the point of the Sabbath? What passages can you use to help you understand the Sabbath?

Key Words/Phrase

Power of Christ, vv. 10, 28.

Characters

Jesus, Paralytic, Matthew, David, Alphaeus.

Strong Verse(s)

10 (a), 17, 27, 28.