Mark 2

And again he entered into Capernaum, after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, 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.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

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?

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?

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,)

I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.

And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

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.

And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?

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.

And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.

But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.

And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.

And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.

And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?

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?

How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar 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?

And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

What does Mark 2:14 mean?

Explanation

Mark 2:14 describes a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus Christ, as recounted in the Gospel of Mark.

In this verse, Jesus is walking by the location where taxes are being collected and he sees a man named Levi (also known as Matthew), the son of Alphaeus, working there as a tax collector.

Jesus approaches Levi and invites him with two simple words: "Follow me." The immediacy of Levi's response is notable; he gets up and follows Jesus without hesitation.

This passage not only portrays the call of Levi to discipleship but also illustrates the authority and magnetic personality of Jesus who could compel a man to leave his occupation instantly and follow Him.

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, the land of Israel was under Roman occupation.

Tax collectors, like Levi, were often Jewish individuals who had been employed by the Roman authorities to collect taxes.

They were typically disliked and considered traitors by their fellow Jews because they worked for the oppressors and often charged more than the necessary taxes to line their own pockets.

By calling a tax collector to be one of his disciples, Jesus was making a radical statement about inclusivity and the nature of His kingdom, which transcends social stigmas and statuses.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse touches upon several key concepts.

Grace and Call: Levi did nothing to earn the call; it was an act of grace by Jesus.
Repentance and Transformation: The immediate response of Levi can be seen as an act of repentance, an eagerness to leave an old life for a new one with Jesus.
Inclusivity of the Gospel: Jesus's choice of a tax collector is a testament to the inclusive nature of the gospel message.
Divine Authority: The authority with which Jesus calls Levi is a reflection of His divine nature; people respond to His call out of recognition of that authority.
Discipleship: The following of Levi symbolizes the essential decision every believer takes to follow Christ when called, leaving behind old ways.

Practical Applications

Response to God's Call: The immediacy of Levi's response can inspire believers to respond swiftly and decisively to God's calling in their lives.
Breaking Social Barriers: The example of Jesus calling Levi encourages Christians to break social barriers and show God's love to all, regardless of their social status or past.
Transformation: Levi's willingness to leave his profession illustrates that following Christ may require significant life changes, prioritizing spiritual over material wealth.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:9: "And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me.

And he arose, and followed him."

Luke 5:27-28: "And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.

And he left all, rose up, and followed him."

Philippians 3:7-8: "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ."

Language Study

The key phrase "Follow me" in Greek is "akolouthei moi." "Akolouthei" comes from the root "akoloutheo," which can mean to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (especially as a disciple).

"Moi" is the pronoun "me," referring directly to Jesus. An analysis of the original language enriches the understanding that Levi was not just walking with Jesus but was being called to a life of discipleship and commitment.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, several religions and philosophical schools had figures whose authority allowed them to call others to follow them, such as the teachers of Greek philosophy who attracted students or Jewish rabbis who called disciples.

However, Jesus’s call was unique because it implied a transformative life change and entry into a new kingdom that transcended traditional social and religious structures.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, as it is a historical account of an event within the narrative of Jesus's life and ministry.

The decision to follow a figure like Jesus does not fit within a scientific framework but rather within a sociological and psychological one, exploring the human behavior and dynamics of decision-making, leadership influence, and group formation.

Commentaries

Commentators have various perspectives on this event:

Historical Authenticity: Some scholars like Robert H.

Stein suggest that the historicity of Levi's call is supported by the criterion of embarrassment, as tax collectors were despised in Jewish society. 2. Literary Analysis: Others, such as R.

France, examine the literary context of Mark's Gospel, highlighting the thematic significance of Jesus calling an outcast. 3. Theological Reflection: John Calvin and other theologians see this as an illustration of sovereign grace, where God chooses whom He wills without regard for human merit or status. 4. Social Implications: Modern commentators often discuss the social implications of Levi's call, using it to address issues like inclusivity and social justice within contemporary Christian practice.

Mark 2

Mark 2

What does Mark 2:14 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 2:14 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?