There is room in our study for rich contemplation about all the various doctrines of the Christian faith. We would fail abysmally if we did not give careful attention to the doctrines we teach and practice as individuals and as local churches (see II Jn. 9). But, all of that must be built out of a great appreciation for the person and work of Jesus Christ. Mark’s gospel seems to highlight this fact better than the other accounts, probably because of his more concise approach to the subject. Both Matthew and Luke spend the first few chapters establishing the history of the birth of Jesus and John the Baptist, the lineage and genealogical records. They expound on all the significant truths of those events. Mark wastes no time, opting instead to get straight down to business. 

*He wants us to understand that only Jesus has the authority and power to change lives*

Jesus alone can cast demons and heal people of disease (see 1:23-34). We are quick to be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring nature of these miracles. However, we cannot afford to miss the deeper point. Mark records Jesus pointing out the more significant truth behind the miracles in Mark 2. When the paralyzed man is brought to Jesus, Jesus immediately tells him his “Son, your sins are forgiven” (2:5). The bystanders heard this and began hurling accusations that He was blaspheming God. We sometimes forget that had Jesus been unable to back His claims of divinity, this would have been blasphemy. His response says it all: “But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralyzed man, “I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet, and go home” (2:10-11). This was a brilliant proof offered to defend the identity of Jesus as the Son of God. He could heal this man physically, just like He could heal him spiritually, by forgiving his sins because… Jesus is God.

Jesus could cast demons and heal people of their diseases because Jesus, and Jesus alone, had power over them. When Jesus spoke He exercised His authority and power over the subject. He could cast demons out of the afflicted because He had authority over them. He could rid the body of diseases because He had authority over them. All of this validated the bigger claims of Jesus: He could heal the soul of its sickness. Jesus did the seen and it authenticated the unseen. 

Application for us today: We need to develop an exalted view of Jesus. We might value great men and women of faith who helped shape us. But no one, no matter how great and mighty and wonderful they are, can heal us of our diseases (i.e., sin). “Who can forgive sins except God alone?” (2:7). We better follow Him.