Mark 2

Five controversies — Jesus' authority challenged by the religious leaders.

Mark 2 contains five back-to-back conflicts between Jesus and the scribes/Pharisees. Jesus forgives and heals the paralytic lowered through the roof, demonstrating His authority to forgive sins. He calls Levi (Matthew) the tax collector and eats with sinners. He is questioned about fasting and gives the parables of new wine in old wineskins and unshrunk cloth on old garments. The chapter ends with two Sabbath controversies — His disciples plucking grain and the declaration that "the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath." The chapter establishes Jesus' authority over sin, society, tradition, and the Sabbath.