A British fellow once explained how to read Mark’s Gospel. He showed us how every chapter begins with a misunderstanding about Jesus and ends with a demonstration of who Jesus really is. This is a helpful way to read and understand what Mark is doing in telling the Good News about Jesus.

Some scribes, professional notetakers in religious and legal matters, hear Jesus tell a paralytic who had been lowered through the roof for Jesus to heal, “Son, your sins are forgiven,” (verse 5). The scribes, the religious professionals in the room, quickly conclude that Jesus is blaspheming. (See verse 6.) 

In other words, they believed Jesus had overstepped his bounds. He had gone too far. Only God could forgive sins. (See verse 7.) Jesus knew what was in their hearts. He then proved he could forgive sins by healing the man of his paralysis. 

After the formerly sinful paralytic waltzed right out of the room carrying the mat he was carried in on, “they were all astounded and gave glory to God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’”

They saw Jesus as more than a healer. He also forgave sins. 

They had heard about Jesus healing people. Some, perhaps, most of those gathered there that day had seen him heal people and drive away demons. Now they saw something more. A clearer picture was developing.

The best way to correct confusion about a subject is to experience it up close and personal. This is why good science teachers lead students through experiments. 

Everyone in the room that day, including the paralytic who walked away, experienced a mind and soul stretch. If this man could heal and forgive, what else could he do? What could he not do? What, then, should we do?

Many people today are confused about Jesus. One of our opportunities as Jesus’ followers is to help clarify who he is, what he does, and what that means for each of us. We have the privilege of helping people see Jesus with clarity and commitment. 

Continue reading Mark and focus on the confusion followed by the clarity in each chapter. This helps us understand more about Jesus and likewise helps us tell his story more clearly. 

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I will trust Jesus to turn my confusion into clarity and to help me help others in the same way.

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Our Father, please clear up my confusion. Draw me into ever-deeper commitment. Empower me to help others see Jesus for who he is and all that means. Amen.