Bible Commentaries
Mark 2

Verses 1-28

A great principle of the exercise of power by the Master is revealed in the words, "When He saw their faith." There can be no doubt that the word "their" includes the whole party, both the man himself and those who brought him.

From the house to the seashore He passed, and the multitudes followed Him. Rapidly and forcefully the story of Levi is told. Called to follow. All abandoned. A feast made, and Jesus the principal Guest, with many of Levi's friends and associates present. Again the scribes and Pharisees were exercised. "He eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners." The Master's words explain the whole meaning of His sociability. He went to the feast of the publican as a Physician, to heal.

A third question on observance of the Sabbath was raised because the disciples had plucked ears of corn on that day. Our Lord replied:

1. The Sabbath is universal, not Jewish, "the Sabbath was made for man."

2. Jesus claimed it as His own. "The Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath."

3. There are circumstances in which it is permissible to break the letter of the Sabbath law.

"Did ye never read what David did, when he had need, . . . ?"

4. Any application of the Sabbath law which operates to the detriment of man is out of harmony with divine purpose. "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath."