After establishing the authority for Jesus' ministry, the Gospel of Mark launches right into it. Jesus' words stirred people's hearts; his practical demonstrations of healing filled them with wonder and, in some cases, with fear. People felt the newness of his teachings and flocked to him from all over. His overwhelming popularity also began attracting the attention of the religious leaders.
2:1–12 The first conflict occurred back in Capernaum while Jesus preached in a house so packed that friends bringing one sick of the palsy, had to uncover the roof to let down the bed. Upon seeing their faith, Jesus said, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
Although healing was obviously the need, Jesus' statement about forgiveness spoke to the close connection in thought between sin and sickness. It also raised the ire of the scribes sitting there, who silently began accusing Jesus of speaking blasphemies, thinking, who can forgive sins but God only?
