Daily Bible Plan - Mark 2

16. October 2025

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Kingdom of God / Mark 2:1–27

Fortified City Church / Love City Church / Basel French Assembly / Luzern City Fellowship / ⁠PIWC Bern / ⁠Global prayer family

Introduction: When the King Shows Up

Mark 2 opens by saying,

“When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that He was back home. Soon the house where He was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While He was preaching God’s word to them…” (Mark 2:1–2, NLT)

When the King shows up, His presence draws people. The power and authority of Jesus always attract. That is why, throughout history, the gospel and the true church have drawn multitudes — not because of men, but because of the Spirit of Jesus Christ at work.

Any church that truly carries the King’s presence will attract people because of the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). In Fortified City Church and Love City Church, the youth and families are being drawn not by any man, but by the Spirit’s working.

This doesn’t mean that a smaller gathering lacks the Spirit; rather, where the King’s presence is honored, there will always be overflow. The Kingdom of God multiplies life wherever it flows (John 7:38).

And note carefully — He preached the Word to them. The essence of the church is not performance, but preaching the gospel of the Kingdom (Mark 1:14–15; Romans 1:16). That’s what Jesus came to do, and that’s what the church must keep doing.

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Verses 1–12: The Kingdom That Forgives and Heals

Then they came, bringing a paralyzed man carried by four friends. Because of the crowd, they broke through the roof and lowered him before Jesus (Mark 2:3–4).

That is faith in action! They refused to be hindered.

“Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, ‘My child, your sins are forgiven.’” (Mark 2:5, NLT)

The scribes murmured in their hearts, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:7). They were correct — only God can forgive — but they failed to see that Jesus is God in human form (John 1:14).

Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, asked, “Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk’?” (Mark 2:9). To prove His authority, He declared, “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” (Mark 2:10).

Instantly, the man rose and walked — forgiveness and healing manifest together. The Kingdom of God demonstrates spiritual authority and physical restoration.

“Everyone was amazed and praised God, exclaiming, ‘We’ve never seen anything like this before!’” (Mark 2:12)

When the Kingdom moves, healing and forgiveness flow side by side (Psalm 103:2–3; Luke 5:24–25). The people glorified God — and so must we whenever His power is revealed in our midst.

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Verses 13–17: The Kingdom That Welcomes the Rejected

As Jesus passed by, He saw Levi (Matthew) sitting at the tax booth and said,

“Follow me.” (Mark 2:14)

Levi arose and followed Him immediately. Later, Jesus sat at Levi’s house with many tax collectors and sinners (Mark 2:15).

The religious leaders questioned, “Why does He eat with such scum?” (Mark 2:16, NLT). But Jesus answered,

“Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” (Mark 2:17)

This reveals the heart of the Kingdom — mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13). Jesus didn’t join sinners to be influenced by them; He joined them to influence them with Kingdom truth.

The Pharisees likely referenced Psalm 1:1, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked,” but they misapplied it. Jesus never compromised holiness. He saw the heart — and Matthew’s heart was ready for transformation.

As believers, we must discern our company (1 Corinthians 15:33), yet also see people through the eyes of Christ. The goal is not separation from the lost, but redemption of the lost (Luke 19:10).

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Verses 18–22: The Kingdom That Brings New Life

People questioned why Jesus’ disciples didn’t fast like John’s disciples or the Pharisees (Mark 2:18). Jesus answered,

“Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not… But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.” (Mark 2:19–20, NLT)

The Kingdom is a celebration of divine presence. While Jesus was with them, fasting wasn’t needed — because the One they would normally seek through fasting was right there with them!

He added a parable: “No one puts new wine into old wineskins…” (Mark 2:22).

The Kingdom brings new life and cannot be contained in old traditions or religious systems. The Spirit always demands flexibility and renewal (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

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Verses 23–27: The Kingdom That Gives Rest

On the Sabbath, the disciples plucked grain, and again the Pharisees accused them (Mark 2:23–24). Jesus reminded them of David’s actions (1 Samuel 21:1–6) and declared,

“The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” (Mark 2:27–28, NLT)

Jesus redefined rest. True Sabbath is found not in ritual but in relationship.

He is Lord of the Sabbath, the giver of spiritual rest (Matthew 11:28–29; Hebrews 4:9–10).

The Kingdom of God is not about legalism, but life in the Spirit (Romans 14:17). Jesus shows that every law and custom finds its fulfillment in Him — the King and Lord of all.

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🟩 Kingdom Lessons

1. The presence of the King attracts people. (Mark 2:1–2; John 12:32)

2. Faith that breaks barriers brings forgiveness and healing. (Mark 2:5–12; James 5:15)

3. The Kingdom welcomes sinners into transformation. (Mark 2:17; Luke 15:1–7)

4. The Kingdom cannot be contained in old traditions. (Mark 2:22; Isaiah 43:19)

5. True rest is found in the Lord of the Sabbath. (Mark 2:27–28; Matthew 11:28)

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🔹 Practical Reflection Questions for This Week

1. How far are you willing to go in faith to encounter Jesus and help others experience Him?

2. Are there “old wineskins” — traditions or attitudes — that may be limiting the new move of God in your life?

3. How can you carry the heart of Jesus to people society considers “unworthy,” and invite them into Kingdom transformation?