As Mark continues to tell the story of Jesus, he demonstrates that only Jesus can forgive sin. The first account in chapter 2 is of a paralyzed man, who is brought to Jesus on his cot by his four friends. Jesus sees their faith and tells the paralyzed man, “Your sins are forgiven.” The religious lawyers know that a man cannot forgive sin, only God can forgive sin. They question Jesus, among themselves, and Jesus responds to them. Jesus demonstrates his deity, in his authority to forgive and heal this paralyzed man. Jesus then calls Levi, better known as Matthew, to follow him. Levi has a party to introduce his friends to Jesus. Again, the religious leaders question why Jesus would associate with sinners. Jesus informs them, he came to rescue sinners not the “righteous.” Because Jesus alone forgives sin, he alone can make you right with God.
The gospel of Mark focuses on the gospel of Jesus, who is the Son of God. Jesus is the Christ, the promised one from God. Mark refers to Jesus as the Son of Man, emphasizing his humanity and the Son of God which emphasizes his deity. The influence of Peter or the teaching of Peter is the foundation of the gospel of Mark. Mark writes to explain Jesus to unbelievers and to call believers to know him and live like him. Mark emphasizes Jesus as a servant, a quality believers should emulate. Mark also emphasizes the discipleship of Jesus. Jesus discipled his followers. Mark hopes to demonstrate the good news (gospel) of Jesus to the world, because he is the Son of God.
