# Mark Chapter 2
---
## Summary

Jesus return to Capernaum and heals a paralytic lowered in through the roof, forgiving the mans sins. He then goes to the sea of Galilee (presumably) and calls Levi and is criticised for associating with sinners. Jesus is questions why his disciples do not fast and responds with a Parable. Jesus's disciples are then criticised for working on the sabbath.

## Imagery and themes

One key theme of this passage is the way in which Jesus is a stumbling block to the religious. There is clear disaprobation from those who do not follow him with criticism beginning with his word (forgiveness of sins), his associates (eating with sinners), his actions (not fasting) and finally the actions of those with whom he is associated (his disciples working on the sabbath). This is character demolition.

In relation to his words Jesus does not seek to justify himself but demonstrates his authority. In relation to his association Jesus questions the Pharasee's as to why a physician would visit the healthy. Each challenge in turn is met not with a frantic justification but a clear message that the old paradigm wont contain the good news of the Kingdom.

Jesus here is considered to have failed to uphold the established moral order of things and this is an offense to it's proponents. His rationale is explained in [2:21-22](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+2%3A21-22&version=ESV). Here he explains that the new wine that he brings (the good news of the Kingdom) requires a new wineskin to contain it. The old pattern of being is inadequate for the new.

In relation to the actions of his disiples Jesus does not address the matter directly but instead compounds it. Not only does Jesus not excuse his disciples actions, he points out David's even more blatant violation. The point here is a little opaque and perhaps most clearly addressed in [Matthew 12:7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+12%3A7&version=ESV), a parallel account of [Mark 2:23–28](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+2%3A23-28&version=ESV). In this version Jesus says, "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice." 

There is therefore this notion that the Sabbath is to be a mercy, not a sacrifice, with Jesus proclaiming himself Lord of the Sabbath -If we return to Mark 2 this adds to the picture of Jesus as a merciful Lord. Jesus is expressing here that the Law has a greater purpose than to be followed with blind, careless literalism. There is a meaning behind God's law, and some of God's purposes are higher than others.

On the interesting question of the use of the wrong high priest's name. I wonder here if this is not deliberate. It is almost apt that Jesus uses the wrong name to leave a further puzzle to his readers that points again to the need for mans total dependency upon the mercy of God for understanding.