Mark 2

Mark 2:1-12

In this chapter we have, 1. Christ’s healing a man that uses sick of a palsy, ver. 1-12. 2. His calling Matthew from the receipt of custom, and his eating upon that occasion with publicism and sinners, and justifying himself to so doing, ver. 13-17. 3. His justifying his disciples in not failing so much as those of the Pharisees did, ver. 18-21. 4. His justifying them in inhaling the ears of corn on the Sabbath-day, ver. 23-28. All which passages we had before, Mat. ix. and xii.

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, insomniest that there was no room to receive them, no not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. 3. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was born of four, 4. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the priest, 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 Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, ’thy sins be forgiven thee. 6. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7. Why do this man than speak blasphemies?’ ‘who can forgive sins but God only? 8. And immediately, when Jesus 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, insomniest that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

No sooner had our Lord returned to Capernaum, from his journey through the villages of Galilee, than the rumour of it quickly spread through the place; and, eager to improve the precious opportunity of his presence, such multitudes assembled at the house, that there was no coming even to the door, so thick was the crowd. And a blessed fight it is to behold such numbers flocking to the Saviour.

1. He preached unto them. Some might have thought the time, the place, improper for a sermon. There were synagogues; what need of preaching in a house, or at the window? Perhaps to reach us, that no time or place is improper to speak a word for God and for immortal souls.

2. During Christ’s preaching, or in some interval of his discourse, the friends of a poor paralytic man, solicitous to present his pissable case before him, would him have pressed through the crowd; but, finding the attempt impracticable, they carried him up to the top of the house where Jesus was, and, breaking up a part of the flat roof, let down the sick man on his bed before him. Note, They who truly seek the Lord, will be discouraged by no difficulties from coming to him.

3. Signals with such an influence of those faith, the comprehensive Jesus kindly accells the affected patient, and foals the pardon of his sins as the introduction to his cure. This being the cauld of every sickness and disease, the bitterness of them is past, when the sin that occasioned them is forgiven.

4. The Scrubes and Pharises who were present, regarded it as serene blasphemy in a mere man, as they regarded Jesus, to assume the incommunicable prerogative of God, in thus by his own authority preluminating to forgive sin. He knew their secret reasoning, and in his answer gave them a proof of his divinity, as the searcher of hearts. To these them, therefore, he possessed the power he assumed, he bids the man arise and walk, and appeals to themselves for the conclusion, whether he who could thus foreroughly, in an instant, remove the effects of sin, could not as easily remit the guilt of it. Note, The man Christ Jesus is also very God, able to forgive and to save to the uttermost every poor sinner that comes to him.

5. The paralytic man received his cure the moment Jesus commanded him to arise; and to the afterwriteness of all, he was so perfectly restored to health and strength, as to carry home the bed on which he had been brought. Such unprecedented cures extorted acknowledgments from every beholder, that the like was never seen before in Israel.

6. 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 sea of Alpheus 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 Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. 16. And when the Scrubes and Pharises 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 Jesus 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.

Mark 2:17

Having departed from the house to the sea-side, thither the multitude followed him, and he preached to them the gospel. After which,

1. He called Levi, or Matthew, a publican, who was sitting in his office receiving the customs, and such power accompanied his word, that instantly he left his gainful possession, and followed Jesus as his disciple. Note, (1.) Nothing is too difficult for Almighty grace; they who seem most deeply involved in the world, and sunk in guilt and corruption, are often searched in sovereign love, as brands from the burning. (2.) If Christ did not self seek us, we should never have fought him.

2. Levi, in tender regard for his brother publicans, longed to make them acquainted with Jesus, whose grace he himself had so richly raised, and therefore invited them to his house, where Jesus disdained not to sit among them: infamous in general as their characters were, he joined them not as an associate, but, as the great physician of souls, visited them as diseased patients. Note, They who have called the grace of the Reference themselves, cannot but be solicitous that their friends and neighbours should partake with them.

3. Christ vindicates his conduct from the censorious cavils of the Pharises. He despised not the poor sinner’s souls; but as this was the very end of his coming to call such to repentance, he was unaffected with the reviling of those who contented themselves righteous, and yet were much farther from the kingdom of heaven, than the very sinners whom they despised. Note, (1.) The best deeds are often most basely misrepresented by the inventor of the house, and they have been made to do with Christ but sin-sick souls, who feel themselves left without him; the proud and self-righteous are left to perish in the delusions they have chosen.

4. And the disciples of John, and of the Pharises used to fast; and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John, and of the Pharises fast, but thy disciples fast not? 19. And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bride-chamber 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 sews a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rest is made worse. 22. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles, else the new wine doth butt the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but

new wine must be put into new bottles. 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 church, pluck the ears of corn. 24. And the Pharises 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 hungred, he and they that were with him? 26. How he went into the house of God in the days of Abhathar 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 Lord also of the sabbath.

Mark 2:18-28

Christ having justified his own conduct from the censure of Pharisesal pride, justifies all his disciples for not observing unnecessary sufferings; and vindicates them for plucking the ears of corn on the sabbath-day to satisfy their hunger.

1. The disciples of John, who, after their master’s example, failed often; and the Pharises, who placed great dependance on this bodily exercise, expects their wonder that Jesus rejoined no such rigid rules on his disciples as they published. So ready are those who fancy their own strictest meritorious, to censure all who come short of their standard of excellence. Christ answers their question, and vindicates his disciples; they were but beginners, and it was improper to put them on the more difficult exercises of self-denial, least they should be discouraged thereby, and contract a disgust to the service. Besides, during his presence with them, like a newly married bride, it became them to rejoice: it would be time enough when he should be taken from them, to mourn and fast. Thus should we learn not to exact too much from young converts, and the lambs of the flock; and especially in fasting we should consider the great end and use of it, and that of relief, it is no farther good, than these are obtained.

2. The Phariseses soon seized another occasion of offence, from the disciples plucking the ears of corn on the sabbath-day, as they passed through the fields. Rigidly scrupulous, as many others like them still are, about the form of godliness, and severe in judging all who do not coincide with them; yet blind to the deep-rooted evil and abominations of their hearts. Christ vindicates them by a precedent the Phariseses will not dispute, and reasons with them by arguments they cannot disprove. David had done what deemed a much more exceptional thing in eating the shew-bread; and Abhathar, who succeeded his father soon after as high-priest, had consented to it, because ceremonial observances must give way to the great law of charity and self-preservation. Besides, the very institution of the sabbath was designed for man’s benefit, to give rest to his body, and time to spend in the immediate service of God, and caring for his soul; and therefore doth not require him to abstain from what is more immediately necessary for the support and preservation of his life: the provision for which was a law of nature, and subsisted previous to the institution of the Sabbath. The Messiah, therefore, who can best interpret his own laws, and is Lord of the Sabbath, has an undoubted right to permit this liberty to his disciples, as such refreshment of their bodies will enable them more effectually to discharge the duties of the holy day. Note, (1.) Our Sabbath should be our delight; and therefore must not, by unreasonable strictness, be made a burden. (2.) Though we are allowed to eat and drink, as shall best enable us for the service of the Sabbath, it is a gross violation of the day, by indulging our appetite to supply our faculties, and render body and soul utterly unfit for the exercises of devotion.

Mark 2:29-30

3. Multitudes attended him, and appeared deeply afflicted with John’s disbarredness, confiding their sins, and abiding to be admitted to his baptism. The word of the gospel is powerful. The doctrines of repentance and faith, when urged upon the heart, awaken the conscience: and all who truly preach Jesus Christ will affordly see the success of their minifications. They who have never known themselves instrumental to the convincing and converting one sinner, have demonstrative evidence before them, that they are not the messengers of Christ, and do not preach his truth.

4. “And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him. 11. And there came a voice from heaven, saying, “Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 12. And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. 13. And he was there in the wilderness’s forty days pretenced of Satan, and was with the wild beasts, and the angels minifited unto him.

5. 9—13. The account of Christ’s ministry and temptations Matthew hath recorded more at large, ch. in iv.

6. He was baptized of John in Jordan. Not that he had any sins to confite, though in the likeness of fearful faith; but he would comply with every infiltrated ordinance of God: and now also he was eminently to be pointed out as the Messiah, and to enter upon his mission. Accordingly the heavens were opened, the Holy Ghost visibly descended upon him, and God himself by an audible voice bore testimony to him as his Son, and declared his perfect satisfaction in the undertaking in which he was engaged. Note, (1.) If God is ever well-pleased with us, it can only be in and through his dear Son. (2.) Whenever we are truly baptized into Christ, the Spirit of God will as really be communicated to us as it visibly descended upon him.

7. He immediately entered upon his temptation, led by the Holy Spirit from the brink of Jordan into the howling wilderness, to make his abode with beasts, whilst Satan sharpened every poisoned arrow in his quiver against him; but, to his bitter disappointment, though in this lonely desert, he found all his arm folded by this second Adam, which even in Eden he had practised with such success upon the first. Thus forty days Christ bore with all the temper’s malice, and baffled all his wiles; till Satan, despairing, at last quitted the field, unable to make the least impression: and then the angelic hosts, who had with admiration beheld the dreadful conflict, appeared to congratulate the Saviour’s victory, and to minister to his hunger. Note, (1.) Every converted soul must prepare for temptation. (2.) Solitude often proves a dangerous snare. (3.) Christ knows what fore temptations mean. He tenderly compassionates his suffering people, and is near to furcour and defend them. (4.) The angels minister to the heirs of salvation: yes, the Lord upon their right hand is their defence, and keepeth them, that the wicked one toucheth them not.

8. “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. 15. And saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand!” report ye, and believe the gospel. 16. “Now, as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon, and Andrew his brother, calling a net into the sea: (for they were fishers). 17. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. 19. And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship, mending their nets. 20. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship, with the hired servants, and went after him. 21. And they went into Capernaum, and straightway on the sabbath-day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. 22. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the fortress.

9. 14—22. When John’s ministry was finished by his imprisonment, Christ came into Galilee, and there,

10. He preached the gospel of the kingdom of God, inviting all his countrymen to come and partake of the inestimable blessings of that dispensation of grace which he was commissioned to publish; the time being fulfilled which had been marked out for the appearing of the Messiah by the prophets, and decreed in the concels of God; and therefore, as his kingdom was immediately to be erected, he exhorted all his hearers to repent, and believe the gospel, to discover, acknowledge, and beware their

offences against God’s holy Jew; to renounce their vain confidences in themselves; to change their mistaken Sentiments concerning the nature of the Messiah’s kingdom; and, instantly turning to him, to receive the glad tidings he brought of the salvation he came to procure for them, even pardon, peace, righteousness, and eternal life, the gift of God through the sacrifice and obedience to death of his Son. Note, (1.) The gospel will be glad tidings to none who do not see and feel their misery and guilt; and, instead of flattering themselves in their own eyes, now change their minds, and stand convinced of their lost estate. (2.) Faith in the gospel word entitles us to claim the fulfilment of all the promises: nor is it any presumption, repelling all confidence in ourselves, to be confident of the Saviour’s love and faithfulness.

2. He called four of his disciples to a more constant attendance upon him, that they might be better qualified for the work in which he designed to employ them. (1.) They were fishers; for the kingdom of Jesus was not to be erected by the wisdom of men, but by the power of God. (2.) He found them at their vacation. Honest industry in his fight is highly commendable. (3.) They were two pair of brothers: and that in an additional happiness, when they, who are to near to each other in blood, are united together in one Lord. (4.) They left all to follow Christ. When he calls we must count nothing too dear to part with for his sake.

3. With these disciples, his attendants, he entered into Capernaum, and on the sabbath preached in the synagogue, to the astonishment of the auditory; such a divine power and authority attended his teaching, as the people had never found under their scribes and rabbies. Note, The gospel word is mighty and powerful. No marvel then if the preachers of it are distinguished from the infidel doctors of moral virtue, philosophical disquisitions, or empty formality.

4. “And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, 24. Saying, Let us alone, what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth?” Art thou come to destroy us? “I know thee who thou art,” the holy One of God. 25. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. 26. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27. And they were all amazed, inasmuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? What new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. 28. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

5. 23—28. Christ confirmed his mission by his miracles. And, to give the greater weight to his discourse, we find him here.

6. Citing out a devil from one possessed, He is called an unclean spirit; for he is such in his own nature; by his suggestions he defiles the consciences of men, and, by the temptations he prefers before them, induces them into all impunity of body and soul. Dreading the pretence and power of Jesus, he cried out, using the man’s organs of speech, saying, let us come, what have we to do with this? They knew themselves unable to contend, and therefore tremble at the thought of being dispossessed of their prey: but, to do him all the mischief in their power, this send them to reproach to call him Jesus of Nazareth: and though he adds, I know that who thus art, the holy One of God, there was probably the most malicious delight couched under that fair confession, even to raise a suspicion of confederacy between Jesus and Satan. Christ therefore discovers him, disdaining to receive a testimony from him, and disappointing his malicious designs: with a sharp rebuke he bids him instantly quit his prey, and leave the body which he had possessed, and, though furious at being dispossessed, with a fearful outcry, as if he would have rent the man in pieces, or designing to terrify the spectators, he departs; compelled, though with reluctance, to yield to the commanding voice of Jesus. Note, (1.) Though such possessions may not now be found, how many, under the influence of an unclean spirit, are still led captive by the devil at his will? (2.) The grace of Jesus is still the same, and he can and does subdue the strongest power of Satan in the sinner’s heart. (3.) Many a poor soul, when Christ first approaches him with the gospel word, is grievously hartsified, and cries out, as if his misery was now greater than ever before; but these terrors are the forerunners of peace and joy in believing.

7. The people were all amazed at what they heard and saw, and could not help saying one to another, What thing is this? Never was such astonishing power before exerted? What new doctrine is this? delivered with such majesty, and confirmed by such miracles. He asks not to covert, by chance and insecutions; but with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they obey him, unable to make the least resistance. Hereupon the fame of his preaching and miracles began to be exceedingly spread through all the region round about Galilee. Note, Christ’s doctrine was not new, but the old doctrine which

3 X had

had been from the beginning; but had for a long time been for forgotten and neglected, that it appeared now quite uncommon. As in these days, the doctrines of the gospel are by many called new doctrines, because, alas! we have for a long season in general to grievously departed from them.

19. And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30. But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and soon they tell him of her. 31. And he came and took her by the hand, and lift her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she re-timed into them. 32. And at even, when the sun did see, they brought unto him all that were dissected, and them that were possessed with devils. 33. And all the city was gathered together at the door. 34. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils, and suffered not the devils; to speak, because they knew him. 35. And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. 36. And Simon, and they that were with him, followed after him. 37. And when they had found him, they laid unto him, All men seek for thee. 38. And he laid unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. 39. And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

Wherever Jesus went he left the glorious marks of his power and grace.

1. Soon after he had retired from the synagogue to Simon’s house to take some refreshment, some of the company informed him of the illness of Peter’s mother, confined to her bed with a fever. Immediately he arose, went to her bed-side, lifted her up, and instantly the fever left her. The cure was perfect; not to touch as any weakness remained; but the immediately rose, and waited on Jesus and the gentle. Now, When we have experienced the Redeemer’s healing grace, it becomes us to shew our gratitude by immediately employing the strength he hath given us in his service.

2. A multitude of other cures were wrought by him the same day. For no sooner was the Sabbath ended (before which they might scruple to carry the sick to him) than the door was crowded with patients, and not one went away without a cure; and many devils were ejected by his word, whom he permitted not to say that they knew him (as the words may best be rendered) not chusing to have them speak ought concerning him, but it should give occasion to suggest there was a confederacy between him and them.

3. After some needful repose, very early in the morning, long before break of day, he retired to a solitary place, that he might, uninterrupted, enjoy sweet communion with his Father in Rome, and pour out his soul in prayer before him. Note, (1.) Early rising is as profitable to the soul as the body; with both is alike hurtful to both. (2.) When our spirits are most fresh and vigorous, it is then the properest time to retire for prayer and communion with God.

4. Peter and his companions no sooner milled him in the morning than they fought him out, and desired him to return to Capernaum, there being so great enquiries made after him. But Christ could not confine himself there; the rest of the country must share his ministrations, being sent for this purpose to go about preaching and working miracles through the whole land: and accordingly he did so, his disciples attending him in his travels, hearing his divine teaching, and beholding the wonders of his power and love.

5. And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 41. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will, be thou clean. 42. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. 43. And he finally charged him, and forthwith sent him away; 44. And saith unto him, ‘See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things’ which Moses commanded for a testimony unto them. 45. But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomniest that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

Mark 2:40-45

This miracle was before recorded, Mat. vii. a. We are taught by it.

1. What we are: poor, disliked, loathsome sinners, under the incurable disease of a corrupted woman, and desperate, unless the great Physician of Souls enter his healing power on our behalf.

2. Whether we must go: to Jesus; bowed down under the sense of our violence, and unworthiness to approach him; yet casting ourselves at his feet as alone able to relieve us from our misery, and with a humble persuasion he will not spurn us from him, but that he is willing as well as able to help and heal us.

3. Christ never rejects the souls of the miserable that fly to him: his bowels of compassion yearn over them; the hand of his grace is sure to be stretched out towards them. And though we often come trembling, between fear and hope whether he will receive, pardon, help, and save us, he is pleased to remove our doubts, and saith to our souls, I will, and power instantly accompany his promise.

4. To those whom Christ cares he gives a strict charge; and they must carefully obey his injunctions, and especially beware not to return unto folly, lest a worst thing happen unto them; but daily they are called to present themselves, body, soul, and spirit, before the great High-prest of their profession, that he, who hath made them clean, may keep them clean.

5. They who have tailed the love of Jesus delight to spread the favour of his name, and to testify their gratitude towards him both with their lips and in their lives.