Tuesday April 1st, 2025
Mark Chapter 2
Introduction:
Mark 2 is an important chapter in the Gospels that introduces Yahusha Ha’Mashiach’s authority over sin, His healing ability, His call to repentance, and the truth about the Sabbath. Rather than introducing new teachings, Yahusha restores the proper understanding of Yahuah’s Torah, correcting the distortions created by human traditions. The Torah is the Law of Yahuah, given to Mosheh (Moses) and is recorded as the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures. Bere’shiyth (Genesis), Shemoth (Exodus), Vayiqra (Leviticus), Bemidbar (Numbers), and Devariym (Deuteronomy).
The religious leaders of Yahusha’s time, like many religious leaders today, built layers of man-made laws and traditions around the Torah (Yahuah’s Law), often missing the heart of Yahuah’s commands—to love Yahuah Elohayka with all your heart , and with all your soul and with all your strength (Devariym 6:5), to love your neighbor as yourself (Vayiqra 19:18), have mercy as the Father has mercy on us, and to walk in righteousness and faith. In this chapter, Yahusha confronts these misunderstandings while affirming the eternal truth of Yahuah’s Torah.
In Mark 2, Yahusha’s ministry is centered in Capernaum and the surrounding areas of Galilee. This is not a coincidence—these regions were the very places where the lost sheep of the house of Yashar’el resided and the only people that Yahusha came for (Mattihyahu 15:24).
The Gospel According to Mark 2 (KJV-YS):
Mark 2: 1-12 – Healing of the Paralytic
Verses 1-2:
“1. And again He entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that He was in the house.
2. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and He preached the word unto them. “
Insights: At the close of chapter 1, Yahusha had to retreat from the crowds who sought after Him to heal them. Upon returning to Capernaum, the people found Him and He preached the word to them.
Cross References:
Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 61:1 – “The Spirit of Master Yahuah is upon Me; because Yahuah hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek.”
Devariym (Deuteronomy) 6: 6&7 – 6. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”
Reflection: When Yahusha entered into Capernaum again, the people swarmed around Him so much that there was no room in the house or even outside the door. They were eager to hear His teachings and witness His power.
Are we seeking Yahusha with the same urgency and desire that these people had? Do we prioritize time in His presence, studying His word, and drawing closer to Him, or do we allow distractions to keep us away?
Verses 3-5: “3. And they come unto Him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.4. And when they could not come nigh unto Him for the press, they uncovered the roof where He was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.5. When Yahusha saw their faith, He said unto the sick of the palsy, son, thy sins be forgiven thee. “
Insights: While Yahusha was teaching, a group of people brought their friend who was carried by four to be healed by Yahusha. Their faith played an important part in their friend being healed and that his sins were forgiven.
Cross References:
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 35:6 – “Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing.”
Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 53:10-11 – “10. Yet it pleased Yahuah to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief: when Thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin…11. He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied: by His knowledge shall My righteous servant justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities. “
Reflection: This group of friends had such great faith that they carried their paralyzed friend up onto the roof, dismantled it, and lowered him down inside so that he could reach Yahusha. They refused to let the crowd, obstacles, or difficulty stop them from bringing their friend to the One who could heal him.
How can we be like these friends? Are we actively bringing our family, friends, and loved ones to Yahusha? Do we persist in prayer, sharing Yahuah’s truth, and encouraging those around us to seek Him—no matter the challenges?
Verses 6-7: “6. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7. Why doth this Man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but Elohiym only? “
Insights: The scribes were correct in their understanding that only Yahuah can forgive sins. However, their hardened hearts and spiritual blindness prevented them from recognizing who Yahusha truly was—the Son of Elohiym, given authority to forgive sins on earth. Instead of rejoicing at the healing and forgiveness taking place before them, they accused Yahusha of blasphemy because they refused to believe in His divine identity.
Cross References:
Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 43:25 – “I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 103:1-4 – “1. Bless Yahuah, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His set-apart Name. 2. Bless Yahuah, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: 3. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;”
Reflection: The scribes and other religious leaders in Yahusha’s time were very well educated in the scriptures but the hardness of their hearts and spiritual blindness prevented them from seeing the truth – that Yahusha is the Son of Elohiym with the authority to forgive sins. Despite their knowledge, their pride, self-righteousness, and rigid traditions kept them from accepting Yahusha’s identity and mission.
How can we prevent the hardness of our hearts and spiritual blindness from keeping us from hearing Yahusha’s voice (Ivriym [Hebrews] 4:7)and following Him to the salvation only provided by Yahuah?
Verses 8-12:
“8. And immediately when Yahusha perceived in His spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, He said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? 9. Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? 10. But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (He saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11. I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. 12. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified Elohiym, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.“
Insights: Yahusha perceived the thoughts of the scribes, knowing that in their hearts they were accusing Him of blasphemy but were afraid to voice it openly because of the crowd. Rather than avoiding the confrontation, Yahusha chose to address their unspoken accusations directly by proving that He had the authority to forgive sins.
He could have simply healed the man without mentioning forgiveness, but this miracle was not just about physical healing—it was about demonstrating that forgiveness comes from Yahuah and that Yahusha, as the Son of Elohiym, had been given authority to forgive sins on earth.
When the paralyzed man rose and walked at Yahusha’s command, the crowd was amazed, saying that they had never seen anything like it before! This miracle not only confirmed Yahusha’s power but also served as a sign to the lost sheep of Yashar’el that the long-awaited restoration had begun.
Cross References:
(Divrei Ha’Yamim Aleph (1 Chronicles) 28:9) – “Yahuah searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts.”
Mikah (Micah) 7:18 – “Who is a Elohiym like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage?”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 33:9 – “For He spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 118:23 – “This is Yahuah’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.”
Reflection: Yahusha knows the hearts and thoughts of us all and has the power to forgive sins and cleanse us from our iniquities, restoring us to a right and true relationship with the Father, Yahuah. His authority is not limited by human expectations, and He provides for us exactly when and how we need it.
Like the man with palsy, we must have faith that Yahusha knows what we need, and when He speaks, we should immediately obey. The paralytic, once healed, rose without hesitation—he acted upon Yahuah’s word with faith and obedience.
Summary of Mark 2:1-12: Yahusha Ha’Mashiach returns to Capernaum, and the crowd gathers in such great numbers that there is no room left in the house. Four men bring a paralyzed friend to Yahusha, but, unable to reach Him through the crowd, they dismantle the roof and lower the man down. Seeing their faith, Yahusha first forgives the man’s sins, which stirs accusations of blasphemy in the hearts of the scribes, as they believe that only Yahuah can forgive sins. Perceiving their thoughts, Yahusha asks, “Which is easier, to say thy sins be forgiven thee, or to say, arise and walk?” To prove that He has the authority to forgive sins, He commands the paralyzed man to rise, take up his bed, and walk—and the man immediately does so.
The crowd is amazed, declaring that they have never seen anything like this before. This passage affirms that Yahusha’s authority to heal and forgive comes from Yahuah, fulfilling the Tanakh’s promises of Yahuah’s power to cleanse, restore, and heal His people. The paralytic’s healing symbolizes the spiritual restoration of Yashar’el, showing that faith and obedience to Yahusha lead to both forgiveness and renewal.
This event symbolizes the spiritual paralysis of Yashar’el, showing that forgiveness precedes true healing. Yahusha’s ability to heal and forgive fulfills prophecy and reaffirms His role in restoring the lost sheep of Yashar’el.
**Gospel Cross References for Mark 2 Verses 1-12: Matthew 9:1-8; Luke 5:17-26,
Mark 2:13-17 – Calling of Levi (Mattithyahu)
“13. And He went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto Him, and He taught them. 14. And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphai sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow Me. And he arose and followed Him.15. And it came to pass, that, as Yahusha sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Yahusha and His disciples: for there were many, and they followed Him.16. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto His disciples, How is it that He eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?17. When Yahusha heard it, He saith unto 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.”
Insights: Yahusha is once again traveling and the crowds are coming to Him and he is teaching them. As he was going, He passed by a tax collector, one of the most despised jobs in Hebrew society and calls Him to follow and become a disciple.
Cross References:
Yechezkel (Ezekiel) 33:11 – “Say unto them, As I live, saith Master Yahuah, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.”
Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 55:7 – “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto Yahuah, and He will have mercy upon him.”
Hoshea (Hosea) 2:23 – “I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not My people, Thou art My people ”
Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 65:4-5 – 4. Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; 5. Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in My nose, a fire that burneth all the day.”
Summary of Mark 2:13-17: As Yahusha Ha’Mashiach teaches by the sea, He calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him. Levi immediately leaves his work and hosts a meal, where many tax collectors and sinners gather with Yahusha. The Pharisees criticize Him for eating with sinners, questioning why He associates with those deemed unworthy. Yahusha responds: “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.”
This passage highlights Yahuah’s mercy and desire to restore the lost sheep of Yashar’el. Levi represents the outcasts of Yashar’el, whom Yahusha has come to call back into covenant. The Pharisees, blinded by self-righteousness, fail to understand that Yahuah’s plan has always been to bring sinners to repentance.
**Gospel Cross References for Mark 2 Verses 13-17: Matthew 9:9-13 ; Luke 5:27-32
Mark 2:18-22 – Question About Fasting and the Old Traditions
“18. And the disciples of Yahuchanan (John the Baptist) and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto Him, Why do the disciples of Yahuchanan and of the Pharisees fast, but Thy disciples fast not? 19. And Yahusha said unto 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. 21. No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. 22. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.“
Insights: Yahusha answers concerns about fasting by teaching that His presence is a time of joy, not mourning as John’s disciples were. His parables of the new cloth and new wine skin signify that He is showing them the correct interpretation of the Torah and not their old man-made traditions. The old cloth and skin (traditions) could not support the correct way to walk in the Law of Yahuah.
Cross References:
Devariym (Deuteronomy) 30:11-14 – “11. For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. 12. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 13. Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 14. But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.”
Romaiym (Romans) 10:5-10 – “5. For Mosheh describeth the righteousness which is of the Torah, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. 6. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Mashiach down from above:) 7. Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Mashiach again from the dead.) 8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Adonai Yahusha, and shalt believe in thine heart that Elohiym hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Summary of Mark 2:18-22: Other disciples question Yahusha Ha’Mashiach about why His disciples do not fast like the Pharisees and the disciples of Yahuchanan (John). Yahusha responds by comparing Himself to a bridegroom, saying that His disciples cannot mourn while He is with them, but the time will come when they will fast.
He then gives two parables:
- New cloth on an old garment – A new patch sewn onto an old garment will make the tear worse.
- New wine in old wineskins – New wine must be put into new wineskins, or else the old ones will burst.
Yahusha is not rejecting Torah but rather restoring the proper understanding of Yahuah’s covenant. The new wine represents the renewal of the covenant with Yashar’el (Yirmeyahu 31:31), while the old wineskins symbolize the Pharisaic traditions that could not contain the fullness of Yahuah’s truth. His words affirm that true righteousness comes from Yahuah, not from man-made religious burdens.
**Gospel Cross References for Mark 2 Verses 18-22: Matthew 9:14-17 ; Luke 5:33-39
Mark 2:23-28 – Master of the Sabbath
“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 unto Him, Behold, why do they on the Sabbath day that which is not lawful? 25. And He said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungered, he, and they that were with him? 26. How he went into the house of Elohiym in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him? 27. And He said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath: 28. Therefore the Son of man is Master also of the Sabbath.”
Insights: Yahusha restores the true meaning of the Sabbath, rebuking Pharisaic legalism. By citing David, He shows that Yahuah values life over rigid man-made rules.
Cross References:
Yechezq’el (Ezekiel) 20:12 – “Moreover also I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am Yahuah that sanctify them.”
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 58:13 – “If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My set-apart day; and call the Sabbath a delight. “
1 Shemu’el (Samuel) 21:6 –“So the priest gave him set-apart bread: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before Yahuah.”
Summary of Mark 2:23-28 : As Yahusha Ha’Mashiach and His disciples walk through the fields on the Sabbath, the disciples pluck grain to eat. The Pharisees accuse them of breaking the Torah, but Yahusha responds by recalling how David and his men ate the set-apart bread when they were hungry, even though it was normally reserved for priests.
Yahusha then declares:
- “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.”
- “The Son of Man is Master also of the Sabbath.”
This passage restores the true intent of the Sabbath as a gift from Yahuah—a time of rest and provision for His people, not a burden of rigid legalism. The Pharisees had added man-made restrictions that distorted Yahuah’s command. Yahusha, as the Master of the Sabbath, upholds its divine purpose, reaffirming that Yahuah’s Torah is meant to serve life, not hinder it.
**Gospel Cross References for Mark Verses 23-28: Matthew 12:1-8 ; Luke 6:1-5
Conclusion:
Mark 2 highlights Yahusha Ha’Mashiach’s authority to forgive sins, heal the sick, call the outcasts, and restore the true understanding of Yahuah’s Torah. In Capernaum, He heals a paralyzed man to demonstrate that spiritual restoration comes before physical healing, symbolizing the renewal of the lost sheep of Yashar’el. He calls Lewi (Levi), a tax collector, showing that Yahuah’s mercy extends to those rejected by society. When questioned about fasting, Yahusha teaches that His coming marks the renewal of the covenant prophesied in Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 31:31. By correcting the Pharisees’ man-made Sabbath restrictions, He reaffirms the Sabbath as a gift from Yahuah, not a burden. Throughout the chapter, Yahusha rejects legalistic traditions and restores Yahuah’s truth, fulfilling prophecy that salvation would first be revealed in Galilee and Capernaum, the land of the lost tribes of Yashar’el.
Reflection Questions for Each Section of Mark Chapter 2
1. Healing of the Paralytic (Mark 2:1-12) – Yahusha’s Authority to Forgive and Restore
Reflection:
The paralytic man symbolizes the spiritual condition of Yashar’el—crippled by sin and in need of restoration. His healing shows that faith leads to forgiveness and true healing comes from Yahuah. The scribes’ reaction reveals how religious leaders often resist Yahuah’s power when it does not align with their traditions.
Self-Study Questions:
- What does this passage teach about the connection between faith and forgiveness?
- In what ways can we, like the scribes, struggle to accept Yahuah’s work when it challenges our understanding?
- The paralytic’s friends took great effort to bring him to Yahusha. How can you demonstrate such faith and persistence in seeking Yahuah?
2. Calling of Levi (Mattithyahu) and Eating with Sinners (Mark 2:13-17) – Gathering the Outcasts of Yashar’el
Reflection:
Yahusha calls those whom society rejects, showing that no one is too far gone for Yahuah’s mercy. The Pharisees focused on outward righteousness, while Yahusha looked at the heart and the need for repentance.
Self-Study Questions:
- Why do you think Yahusha chose Lewi, a tax collector, to follow Him?
- How does Yahusha’s response challenge the way religious people often view sinners?
- Do you see yourself as needing Yahusha’s mercy, or do you sometimes have the mindset of the Pharisees?
3. Question About Fasting (Mark 2:18-22) – A Renewed Covenant for Yashar’el
Reflection:
The bridegroom analogy reminds us that Yahusha’s presence brings joy, not mourning. The parable of the new wine in old wineskins teaches that Yahuah’s truth cannot be contained within rigid human traditions—true transformation requires a renewed heart (Yirmeyahu 31:31).
Self-Study Questions:
- What does the analogy of the bridegroom teach about Yahusha’s role in Yahuah’s plan?
- Are there areas in your spiritual life where you are trying to mix new wine (Yahuah’s truth) with old wineskins (man-made traditions)?
- How does this passage encourage us to embrace Yahuah’s transformation rather than just making external adjustments?
4. Master of the Sabbath (Mark 2:23-28) – Restoring Yahuah’s Sabbath for Yashar’el
Reflection:
The Sabbath was given for man’s benefit, yet the Pharisees had turned it into a burden. Yahusha’s teaching restores the true purpose of the Sabbath—a day of rest, renewal, and provision, rather than legalistic restrictions.
Self-Study Questions:
- Why did Yahusha remind the Pharisees of David’s example when discussing the Sabbath?
- How does this passage challenge modern views of Sabbath observance?
- Are you honoring the Sabbath as Yahuah intended, seeing it as a delight (Yeshayahu 58:13), or have you viewed it as a burden?
Final Reflection on Mark 2
Yahusha’s mission in this chapter is about restoring, not changing, Yahuah’s Torah. His actions in Capernaum and Galilee fulfill prophecy by calling the lost sheep of Yashar’el back to righteousness. He rebukes man-made traditions that hinder faith and invites all people—especially the outcasts—to repentance and renewal.
Final Self-Study Questions:
What steps can you take to ensure you are living according to Yahuah’s truth rather than human traditions?
In what ways do Yahusha’s teachings challenge the religious traditions of both His time and today?
How does Mark 2 show the importance of mercy over legalism?