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Open the Eyes of My Heart
Read Mark 2:1-12
"…the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…." Mark 2:10
Mark 2:1-12 introduces the beginning of a new section that incorporates a series of five conflict narratives (2:1–3:6). This section highlights the controversy surrounding Jesus’ authority and the increasing hostility toward Him (2:6-7; 2:16; 2:18; 2:24; 3:2, 6). In the first narrative, Jesus demonstrates that He has authority to forgive sins, a prerogative that only belongs to God, thereby claiming Himself to be God.
The paralytic and his friends heard of Jesus’ ability to heal (1:28). Unable to find a way in through the door because of the crowd, the paralytic was lowered through the roof to Jesus (v 3). This act was a nonverbal request for Jesus to heal him. The initial response of Jesus was surprising and unexpected. Instead of immediately uttering words of healing, Jesus first pronounced the forgiveness of sins. This incident drew contrasting response from the religious authorities and the crowd.
The scribes charged Jesus as being blasphemous since the authority to forgive sins rightly belonged to God. There was nothing wrong with their theological reasoning or their knowledge about God, but they failed to see that Jesus was Immanuel, God with us, standing right in their midst. The response from the crowd was one of astonishment, resulting in praise to God (v 12). By contrasting the response of the scribes and the crowd, Mark wanted his readers to understand that the Messiah has come and the evidence of his authority has been displayed in the forgiveness and healing of the paralytic.
There is a huge difference in knowing about God and knowing God.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, that I may see You.
The scribes failed to see God in their midst. What is keeping you from recognising God’s presence in your life?
Read Mark 2:1-12
"…the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…." Mark 2:10
Mark 2:1-12 introduces the beginning of a new section that incorporates a series of five conflict narratives (2:1–3:6). This section highlights the controversy surrounding Jesus’ authority and the increasing hostility toward Him (2:6-7; 2:16; 2:18; 2:24; 3:2, 6). In the first narrative, Jesus demonstrates that He has authority to forgive sins, a prerogative that only belongs to God, thereby claiming Himself to be God.
The paralytic and his friends heard of Jesus’ ability to heal (1:28). Unable to find a way in through the door because of the crowd, the paralytic was lowered through the roof to Jesus (v 3). This act was a nonverbal request for Jesus to heal him. The initial response of Jesus was surprising and unexpected. Instead of immediately uttering words of healing, Jesus first pronounced the forgiveness of sins. This incident drew contrasting response from the religious authorities and the crowd.
The scribes charged Jesus as being blasphemous since the authority to forgive sins rightly belonged to God. There was nothing wrong with their theological reasoning or their knowledge about God, but they failed to see that Jesus was Immanuel, God with us, standing right in their midst. The response from the crowd was one of astonishment, resulting in praise to God (v 12). By contrasting the response of the scribes and the crowd, Mark wanted his readers to understand that the Messiah has come and the evidence of his authority has been displayed in the forgiveness and healing of the paralytic.
There is a huge difference in knowing about God and knowing God.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, that I may see You.
The scribes failed to see God in their midst. What is keeping you from recognising God’s presence in your life?
Scripture
About this Plan
Scripture Union Peninsular Malaysia's Bible reflections are devotional readings from the thoughts and insights of Asian writers. Consisting of 8 volumes, they cover the whole Bible in four years. Each volume contains books from the Old and New Testaments, and has a mix of historical, poetic and prophetic books, the gospels and epistles. Using this you can cultivate the discipline of a regular, systematic engagement with Scripture and gain an understanding of its magnificent story.
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We would like to thank Scripture Union for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://www.su.org.my
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