MARK 2:1 TO MARK 3:6. A group of incidents designed to illustrate the growth of hostility on the part of scribes and Pharisees. At first they merely make silent criticisms (Mark 2:6), then they question the disciples (Mark 2:16), later, they challenge Jesus Himself (Mark 2:18), and later still, they... [ Continue Reading ]
THE HEALING OF THE PARALYTIC. Loisy (pp. 86- 88) regards the discussion of the right to forgive sins as artificially interwoven by Mk. into a simpler story of healing. He says it is not like Jesus to prove a spiritual claim by the argument of a miracle. Jesus refused to work signs. The power to forg... [ Continue Reading ]
THE CALL OF LEVI. JESUS EATS WITH TAX-COLLECTORS. These two incidents are only loosely connected with each other and with what precedes. The notes of time are of the vaguest. The call of Levi, who is collecting tolls for the Tetrarch of Galilee on the highroad (p. 615), closely resembles the call of... [ Continue Reading ]
THE QUESTION OF FASTING. Both the followers of John and the Pharisees agree in the practice of fasting to express repentance. Jesus called men into an experience of joy, surely the joy of forgiveness. By His presence and call He made men feel as if they were taking part in a bridal feast while they... [ Continue Reading ]
SABBATH OBSERVANCE. This incident occurs in the summer: the only clear reference to a season of the year in the gospel. The disciples offend by reaping on the Sabbath. The evangelist brings together two answers. The first admits the validity of the Law and pleads historic exceptions. The second lays... [ Continue Reading ]